MLB All-Stars Praise Dodgers' $400M Payroll for 2026 Season

Padres' Manny Machado and Phillies' Bryce Harper say Dodgers' massive spending is "f---ing great for the game"

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Los Angeles Dodgers are heading into the 2026 MLB season with a massive $400 million payroll, sparking controversy but also praise from some of the league's top players. All-Stars Manny Machado and Bryce Harper have voiced their support for the Dodgers' spending, saying it's great for the game and that all teams should aspire to that level of investment in their rosters.

Why it matters

The Dodgers' unprecedented spending has reignited debates around competitive balance and the growing wealth gap between large and small market teams in MLB. However, the positive reactions from players like Machado and Harper suggest the players themselves appreciate the Dodgers' willingness to invest heavily in talent, even if it creates an uneven playing field.

The details

The Dodgers' $400 million payroll for 2026 is the highest in MLB history, surpassing the New York Mets ($368.3M) and New York Yankees ($333.25M). The team has added several big-name free agents, including outfielder Kyle Tucker (4 years, $240M) and closer Edwin Diaz (3 years, $69M). Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes says he isn't concerned with outside criticism, focusing instead on putting together the best team possible to defend their recent World Series titles.

  • The Dodgers are heading into the 2026 MLB season.
  • The current MLB collective bargaining agreement expires on December 1, 2026.

The players

Manny Machado

All-Star third baseman for the San Diego Padres.

Bryce Harper

All-Star outfielder for the Philadelphia Phillies.

Brandon Gomes

General manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Kyle Tucker

Outfielder who signed a 4-year, $240 million contract with the Dodgers.

Edwin Diaz

Closer who signed a 3-year, $69 million contract with the Dodgers.

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What they’re saying

“I f---ing love it. I love it. I mean, honestly, I think every team should be doing it. They've figured out a way to do it, and it's f---ing great for the game.”

— Manny Machado, All-Star third baseman, San Diego Padres (San Diego Union-Tribune)

“I love what the Dodgers do, honestly. They pay the money. They spend the money. They're a great team. They run their team like a business. And they run it the right way.”

— Bryce Harper, All-Star outfielder, Philadelphia Phillies (Philadelphia Inquirer)

“I don't really pay any attention to that at all. We're not looking externally. The validation is winning championships and putting out as good a team as you can each and every year.”

— Brandon Gomes, General Manager, Los Angeles Dodgers (California Post)

What’s next

The upcoming MLB collective bargaining agreement negotiations in 2026 could address the growing wealth gap between large and small market teams, potentially leading to a salary cap or other measures to promote more competitive balance in the league.

The takeaway

While the Dodgers' massive spending has drawn criticism from some, the positive reactions from star players like Machado and Harper suggest the players themselves appreciate the team's willingness to invest heavily in talent, even if it creates an uneven playing field across the league.