Part 3/11:
One of the most persistent and contentious issues is competitive imbalance. This refers to the stark disparity in spending power among teams, which leads to unequal competitive opportunities. Historically, this problem has existed since the days of the Montreal Expos’ relocation and remains a significant point of contention today.
Major market teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers spend enormous sums—this season, they are slated to pay over $145 million in luxury tax alone, surpassing the entire payroll of smaller-market teams like the Milwaukee Brewers, who were eliminated in the NLCS. In fact, the Dodgers’ luxury tax burden exceeds what the Brewers pay their entire roster, illustrating the vast gulf in resources.