Dodgers Claim ‘Evil Empire’ Title as They Near Second Straight World Series

The Los Angeles Dodgers are on the verge of securing their second consecutive World Series title, needing just four wins to achieve this goal. This success is partly attributed to their substantial financial resources, which include the highest active payroll in Major League Baseball (MLB) and over $1 billion in deferred payments that will start coming due in 2028. Critics argue that the Dodgers’ financial muscle makes it difficult for small- and mid-market teams to compete, accusing the franchise of undermining the competitive balance in baseball.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts addressed this criticism directly after his team’s decisive victory over the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2025 NLCS. In a statement filled with bravado, he remarked, “Before this season started, they said the Dodgers are ruining baseball. Let’s get four more wins and really ruin baseball.” This comment encapsulates the Dodgers’ embrace of their evolving identity as the new “Evil Empire” of baseball, a title that once belonged to the New York Yankees.

Dodgers Seize the ‘Evil Empire’ Moniker

The term “Evil Empire” was originally coined by Boston Red Sox president Larry Lucchino in 2002, referring to the Yankees after they outbid the Red Sox for free agent pitcher José Contreras. Since then, the Yankees have not won a World Series title, with their last championship coming in 2009. In contrast, the Dodgers are positioned to claim their third title of the decade, effectively shifting the perception of which team embodies the “Evil Empire” ethos to the West Coast.

This shift in reputation is particularly noteworthy considering the Yankees’ lack of recent success. With each passing season, the Dodgers are garnering more respect—and resentment—from rival fanbases. They have successfully assembled a roster filled with elite talent, creating an “Avengers-level” team that leverages financial resources to dominate the league.

The Dodgers’ financial strategy raises questions about the future landscape of MLB, especially as the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is set to expire after the 2026 season. Discussions surrounding the potential impacts of the Dodgers’ spending on future negotiations will be critical. For now, the team is focused on maximizing its championship window and has no plans to slow down.

The Future of Competitive Balance in MLB

As the Dodgers continue to excel, the debate over whether they are “ruining baseball” is likely to intensify. Critics assert that the vast financial disparities between teams hinder competition, while supporters argue that the Dodgers are simply playing by the rules and capitalizing on their opportunities.

Regardless of the ongoing discourse, the Dodgers appear unfazed. They are reveling in their current success and the accompanying notoriety. With their sights set on further victories, the franchise is determined to maintain its place as a powerhouse in MLB.

In a sport where financial might often translates to on-field success, the Dodgers are not just winning—they are thriving in their newfound role as the league’s perceived villain, and they seem to embrace it wholeheartedly. As the postseason unfolds, the baseball world will be watching closely to see if the Dodgers can add more titles to their storied legacy.