Yankees' Aaron Judge Praises Dodgers' Massive Payroll

Judge wishes more MLB teams would spend like the Dodgers to build championship-caliber rosters.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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New York Yankees star Aaron Judge expressed his admiration for the Los Angeles Dodgers' willingness to spend big in free agency, saying he wishes more MLB teams would follow their lead in building championship-caliber rosters. The Dodgers are projected to have a $405 million luxury tax payroll in 2026, far exceeding any other team in the league.

Why it matters

Judge's comments provide insight into how some players view the Dodgers' aggressive spending approach, which has helped the team win back-to-back World Series titles. As MLB's next collective bargaining agreement negotiations loom, the issue of team payrolls and competitive balance will likely be a major point of discussion.

The details

The Dodgers have flexed their financial muscle this offseason, signing All-Star closer Edwin Diaz to a three-year, $69 million contract and perennial MVP candidate Kyle Tucker to a four-year, $240 million deal. Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole also praised the Dodgers' efficiency in maximizing their spending to improve the team.

  • The Dodgers are projected to have a $405 million luxury tax payroll in 2026.

The players

Aaron Judge

The captain of the New York Yankees who expressed admiration for the Dodgers' spending approach.

Manny Machado

The San Diego Padres third baseman who recently said the Dodgers' spending is "(expletive) great for the game."

Gerrit Cole

The New York Yankees pitcher who praised the Dodgers' efficiency in maximizing their spending to improve the team.

Edwin Diaz

The All-Star closer who signed a three-year, $69 million contract with the Dodgers this offseason.

Kyle Tucker

The perennial MVP candidate who signed a four-year, $240 million deal with the Dodgers this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“They're trying to get the best product on the field and finding a way to maximize whatever they can to get the best players. I wish a lot of teams found a way to do that.”

— Aaron Judge, New York Yankees Captain (The Athletic)

“It's (expletive) great for the game.”

— Manny Machado, San Diego Padres Third Baseman (Sporting News)

“They are getting contracts that are making them better quality. It's within the rules.”

— Gerrit Cole, New York Yankees Pitcher (The Athletic)

The takeaway

Aaron Judge's comments highlight how some players view the Dodgers' aggressive spending approach as a model for other teams to follow in building championship-caliber rosters. As MLB's next CBA negotiations approach, the issue of team payrolls and competitive balance will likely be a major point of discussion.