LOS ANGELES, October 29, 2025 — The Los Angeles Dodgers’ sustained success isn’t just good for their fans—it’s good for baseball, according to recently retired pitching legend Clayton Kershaw. The Dodgers, fresh off a 2025 World Series victory against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre, have built a dynasty that rivals the New York Yankees’ late-1990s and early-2000s dominance.
A Dynasty Built to Captivate—and Divide
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The Dodgers’ winning formula is drawing comparisons to the Yankees’ championship runs and sparking debate about the future of MLB spending.
- Kershaw believes a dominant team, whether loved or hated, benefits the sport.
- The Dodgers’ spending spree has attracted stars like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
- MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred acknowledges the Dodgers’ financial impact could reshape the league.
- The team’s success is fueling discussions about a potential salary cap and a possible lockout.
“I think that was the way the Yankees were,” Kershaw said during a recent appearance on “Literally! With Rob Lowe.” “When I was growing up, the Yankees were the best team—in the World Series and winning all those. But I think that’s good for baseball. I really do. Having a team that you either love, because that’s your team, or you hate because they keep winning—that’s good for baseball.”
Kershaw, 37, officially retired after the 2025 season, leaving behind a Hall of Fame-worthy resume. He finished his 18-year career as an 11-time All-Star, three-time NL Cy Young Award winner, NL MVP, Gold Glove recipient, and a three-time World Series champion. Last season, he posted an 11-2 record with a 3.36 ERA in 23 regular-season outings and delivered a crucial out in relief during Game 3 of the World Series.
Fueling the Fire: Star Power and Spending
The Dodgers’ ascent hasn’t been accidental. The organization has aggressively pursued and acquired top talent, adding back-to-back NL MVPs Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman, Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto, former MVP Mookie Betts, and two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell. This offseason, they further bolstered their roster by signing former Mets closer Edwin Diaz.
What makes a baseball dynasty truly captivating? A combination of sustained success, star power, and a little bit of controversy, according to Kershaw, who believes the Dodgers fit the bill.
This level of spending hasn’t gone unnoticed by MLB leadership. Commissioner Rob Manfred told ESPN that the Dodgers “are probably more profitable on a percentage basis than the old Yankees were, meaning it could be more sustainable, so it is more of a problem.”
With the current collective bargaining agreement expiring next December, discussions surrounding a salary cap are expected to intensify. The Dodgers’ financial muscle could become a central point of contention, potentially leading to a lockout.
A Global Appeal
Despite the looming labor negotiations, Kershaw remains optimistic about the Dodgers’ impact on the sport. He highlighted the team’s ability to attract international stars and the increased global attention generated by their World Series victory over the Blue Jays.
“You don’t want to be indifferent,” Kershaw said. “I think it’s good to have that. That’s what viewership is. I think this postseason—obviously with our Japan fan base, and being in Canada—it was the highest-watched postseason in a long time. So I think it’s all good for baseball.”
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