Dave Roberts Rejects Dodgers Payroll Criticism as Lazy, Citing 5 or 6 High-Spending Rivals
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 3
Dave Roberts Rejects Dodgers Payroll Criticism as Lazy, Citing 5 or 6 High-Spending Rivals
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 3
Summary
Dave Roberts said this week the backlash against the Dodgers' spending is "lazy," arguing rivals should "look in the mirror" instead of blaming payroll for Los Angeles' success.
Roberts said the club's edge comes from drafting, player development, international scouting and integrating young talent, not simply writing bigger checks.
Miguel Rojas echoed that case, saying five or six teams operate near the Dodgers' payroll level without matching their results, so the focus stays on Los Angeles because it wins.
Recent title moments support that argument: Max Muncy, Rojas, Will Smith and reliever Will Klein all played key postseason roles after arriving through low-cost signings, the draft or reclamation work.
The defense comes as pricey offseason additions Kyle Tucker and Edwin Diaz have struggled in 2026, while the Dodgers have leaned on homegrown and unheralded bullpen arms to keep producing.