Dodgers Reliever Says Fans Can ‘Cry’ About LA’s Spending Since Every Team Can Do It

LOS ANGELES — May 2025 | In a candid and fiery statement that’s stirred debate across the league, Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Ryan Brasier pushed back on criticism of the team’s spending, telling reporters that fans who complain should “cry all they want — every team can do it.”

The comments come amid growing resentment from rival fanbases and baseball pundits who argue that the Dodgers are “buying championships” with their massive payroll and star-studded roster.

But Brasier, one of the team’s most consistent bullpen arms since joining LA in 2023, isn’t having any of it.

“We hear all the noise about our payroll and how we ‘buy wins,’” Brasier said. “But here’s the truth — any team can spend. Not every owner chooses to. That’s not our fault.”

Dodgers’ Spending Under the Spotlight Again

The Dodgers entered the 2025 MLB season with the highest payroll in baseball, eclipsing even the Yankees and Mets. Major contracts for stars like Shohei Ohtani ($700M), Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto have reignited claims that LA has an unfair advantage.

Their 2024 offseason spending spree alone topped $1 billion, leading many fans and rival executives to call for salary caps or stricter luxury tax penalties.

However, Brasier and several Dodgers teammates argue that success isn’t just about money — it’s about scouting, development, and culture.

“Look at how many guys here came from other systems and got better once they got to LA,” Brasier added. “It’s not just about writing checks.”

The Stats Behind the Spending

While the Dodgers do spend big, they also produce high-caliber talent through their farm system and make savvy acquisitions. Consider:

• Gavin Stone and Bobby Miller, two homegrown pitchers, have become rotation mainstays.

• LA has a top-10 ranked farm system despite trading prospects in multiple blockbuster deals.

• The team consistently ranks among the best in analytics and player development.

Additionally, many of their major signings — including Betts and Freeman — have outperformed their contracts, helping LA secure multiple NL West titles and a 2020 World Series win.

League-Wide Reactions: Mixed and Heated

Brasier’s “cry about it” comment has quickly gone viral, sparking strong reactions from players, analysts, and fans.

Former All-Star and ESPN analyst Mark Teixeira responded on-air:

“I get his point, but let’s be real — 90% of teams don’t have owners willing to spend like LA. It’s not as simple as just opening the checkbook.”

Meanwhile, Mets slugger Pete Alonso told reporters:

“If owners cared about winning as much as players do, more teams would be in that position. I respect the Dodgers for going all-in.”

On social media, fans were divided. Some praised Brasier’s honesty, while others called the Dodgers the “Yankees of the West” and accused them of ruining competitive balance.

Popular comments on X (formerly Twitter) included:

• “He’s right. Teams like Oakland and Tampa COULD spend more if they wanted to.”

• “Easy for LA to say when they have an unlimited budget.”

• “Dodgers aren’t buying titles — they’re investing in winning.”

The Real Problem: MLB’s Economic Gap

At the heart of the controversy is Major League Baseball’s economic model, which features no hard salary cap and large discrepancies in team payrolls.

In 2025:

• The Dodgers’ payroll exceeds $310 million

• Teams like the Pittsburgh Pirates and Oakland Athletics are under $80 million

While the league imposes a luxury tax, critics argue it doesn’t deter big spenders like LA, NY, or San Diego, who simply absorb the penalties.

“It’s not cheating,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “It’s using the system the way it was designed. Until there’s a cap, teams will spend what they’re allowed to.”

What Fans Often Overlook

Brasier’s comments point to an uncomfortable truth — many small-market teams choose not to spend, even when financially capable. MLB revenue sharing, media deals, and local sponsorships provide ample funds.

A 2024 Forbes report revealed that over 60% of MLB teams turned a profit, even those near the bottom of the payroll rankings.

So why don’t more teams spend like the Dodgers?

• Ownership strategy: Some prioritize profit over trophies.

• Risk aversion: Long-term contracts carry financial risks.

• Market limitations: Smaller markets struggle to attract stars without overpaying.

“At the end of the day, it’s about commitment to winning,” Brasier said. “LA has that. That’s why players want to be here.”

The Dodgers Culture: More Than Money

Players repeatedly cite the Dodgers’ player-first culture, elite coaching, and winning mentality as major draws — not just the salary.

Pitching coach Mark Prior and hitting guru Robert Van Scoyoc have been credited with turning solid players into All-Stars.

“The resources help, sure,” said reliever Evan Phillips. “But the Dodgers make you better. That’s what separates this team.”

Looking Ahead: What This Means for Baseball

Brasier’s remarks highlight a growing tension in the MLB — one where ambition and resources collide. As media contracts expand and team valuations soar, the call for economic reform is intensifying.

• Will MLB implement a salary floor to force small-market teams to spend more?

• Could a hard cap limit teams like LA?

• Or will the league embrace spending as a necessary path to competitiveness?

For now, the Dodgers remain the gold standard of big-market success — and players like Brasier aren’t afraid to defend it.

“We’re not apologizing for wanting to win,” Brasier said. “If you’re mad about it, tell your team to try harder — not us.”

Conclusion: Cry or Compete

Ryan Brasier’s blunt words may have ruffled feathers, but they reflect a core truth about professional sports — success costs. Whether it’s money, commitment, or culture, the Dodgers are willing to pay the price.

And as long as other teams hold back, Los Angeles will keep dominating the game they love — unapologetically.