Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
The Los Angeles Dodgers have become the poster child for Major League Baseball’s salary cap push in collective bargaining negotiations with the Players Association (MLBPA).
The organization has been cited on several occasions by the league to refute the union’s pitch for a “competitive integrity tax” that would penalize teams that don’t spend at least $150 million on payroll.
Several Dodgers players are aware of what has been happening behind the scenes, and Miguel Rojas was among those to express his frustration, via Jack Harris of the California Post.
“It’s been kind of annoying continuing to hear that we are the ones that need to take the hit,” Rojas said, “for the league to be in better shape.”
While Rojas doesn’t think it’s fair to blame the Dodgers for MLB’s financial disparities, he understands their resources give them a significant advantage.
“Obviously, having those resources is gonna make your team so much better,” Rojas noted. “I understand all that. I’m not shying away from all that. It’s great to be a Dodger.”
While it’s true that the Dodgers have made plenty of splashy signings in recent years, they also place a strong emphasis on drafting and developing players.
L.A.’s depth has been on full display this season, with the likes of Dalton Rushing, Alex Freeland, Ryan Ward, Justin Wrobleski and Eric Lauer all contributing at various points.
Rojas isn’t the only member of the Dodgers organization to call out MLB’s negative portrayal of them in collective bargaining negotiations. Manager Dave Roberts previously deemed the majority of criticism being directed at the club as lazy because of the sole focus on the Dodgers’ payroll.
Miguel Rojas believes Dodgers front office deserves credit
While the narrative has been that the Dodgers’ financial resources give them an unfair advantage, the reality is they do more than just spend money on top free agents.
Rojas recently went on the record of saying the front office deserves credit for their shrewd trades, drafting and contingency plans that have led to sustained success over the last decade.
The Dodgers are in the midst of a historic stretch that includes 13 consecutive postseason appearances, 12 National League West titles, five pennants and three World Series championships.
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