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Dodgers Spend $500M, Face $121M Reds in Playoffs

6/13/2026

Summary

Dodgers Splurge

The Los Angeles Dodgers have committed over $500 million in salaries and luxury-tax payments as they face the Cincinnati Reds in the playoffs.
Their payroll rose to $341.5 million, projecting a $168 million luxury-tax bill and a record $509.5 million total spend.
Six postseason teams have payrolls above $200 million, while the Reds operate with $121 million.
The New York Mets spent $428.8 million, have a $339.7 million payroll and an $89.1 million tax, yet missed the postseason.

Summary

Diamondbacks Host Reds

Arizona Diamondbacks host Cincinnati Reds Friday, June 12 2026 at 7:10 PM ET on Apple TV.
Arizona, near .500, seeks a surge to stay in the NL West and starts veteran left-hander Eduardo Rodríguez, with Corbin Carroll and Jordan Lawlar supporting.
Cincinnati, below .500 after losing a nine-game lead, starts southpaw Nick Lodolo.
Adam Thompson backs the Red Sox vs. Rangers and White Sox vs. Dodgers money lines, noting an MLB edge of 70 units.

History

Historical Context

MLB instituted the Competitive Balance Tax in 1997 after the 1994 strike to limit payroll disparities without a salary cap. The New York Yankees, responsible for 61.75% of all luxury-tax collections, first paid a $13 million levy in 1998 on a $151 million payroll, and today the Los Angeles Dodgers exceed the 2023 $210 million threshold, showing the tax’s ongoing impact on spending and parity.

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Dodgers Splurge

The Los Angeles Dodgers have committed over $500 million in salaries and luxury-tax payments as they face the Cincinnati Reds in the playoffs.
Their payroll rose to $341.5 million, projecting a $168 million luxury-tax bill and a record $509.5 million total spend.
Six postseason teams have payrolls above $200 million, while the Reds operate with $121 million.
The New York Mets spent $428.8 million, have a $339.7 million payroll and an $89.1 million tax, yet missed the postseason.

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