Padres Star Praises Dodgers for 'Doing It Right'

Fernando Tatis Jr. joins Bryce Harper and Manny Machado in commending the Dodgers' high-spending approach.

Feb. 19, 2026 at 11:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Fernando Tatis Jr. of the San Diego Padres has joined his teammates Bryce Harper and Manny Machado in praising the Los Angeles Dodgers for their high-spending approach to roster construction. Tatis said the Dodgers are 'doing it right' when it comes to spending to win a World Series.

Why it matters

The comments from Tatis, Harper, and Machado - all stars who have signed lucrative long-term deals - suggest that high-payroll teams like the Dodgers are viewed favorably by players, even those on rival teams. This comes as MLB and the players' union prepare for collective bargaining agreement negotiations that could address payroll issues.

The details

Tatis' comments echo those made previously by Harper and Machado, who have both said the Dodgers shouldn't be criticized for their high spending and that other teams should follow their lead. Tatis said the Dodgers' approach of spending big to win a World Series is 'the right way to do it.' While the Dodgers' high payroll has led to success, including titles in 2020 and 2022, their reliance on the bullpen in 2024 and narrow escape against the Blue Jays last year show that a big payroll doesn't guarantee a championship.

  • In February 2023, Manny Machado and the Padres agreed to an 11-year, $350 million contract extension.
  • In February 2021, Fernando Tatis Jr. signed a 14-year, $340 million contract extension with the Padres.

The players

Fernando Tatis Jr.

A star player for the San Diego Padres who recently signed a long-term contract extension with the team.

Bryce Harper

A star player for the Philadelphia Phillies who was previously pursued by the Dodgers in free agency before signing a 13-year, $330 million contract with the Phillies.

Manny Machado

A star player for the San Diego Padres who was traded to the Dodgers in 2018 and later signed a 10-year, $300 million deal with the Padres in 2019, which was extended by 11 years and $350 million in 2023.

Los Angeles Dodgers

A Major League Baseball team known for their high-spending approach to roster construction, which has led to recent World Series championships.

Toronto Blue Jays

A Major League Baseball team that faced the Dodgers in the 2022 World Series, narrowly losing to the high-payroll Dodgers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's the right way to do it. I mean, if you want to go and win it all, that's just the right way to do it. They're doing it right.”

— Fernando Tatis Jr. (97.3 The Fan San Diego)

“They're not to blame for their approach to roster construction. Their success extends beyond a high payroll and they don't receive enough credit for player development.”

— Bryce Harper (SI.com)

“All teams are capable of similar spending in free agency and [I] implore other owners to follow suit.”

— Manny Machado (SI.com)

The takeaway

The praise from star players like Tatis, Harper, and Machado for the Dodgers' high-spending approach suggests that even rival players view the team's strategy as a model for success, despite the fact that a big payroll doesn't guarantee a championship. This could influence the upcoming CBA negotiations between MLB and the players' union.