Full Breakdown
MLB Players Rank Teams by Reputation: Dodgers Lead, Rockies Bottom
6/26/2026, 1:33:36 AM
Player Poll Reveals Top and Bottom MLB Team Reputations
An anonymous poll conducted by The Athletic’s Dennis Lin asked active MLB players to identify organizations with the best and worst reputations. The Los Angeles Dodgers received the most favorable votes, while the Colorado Rockies were identified as the team with the poorest reputation.
Official Statements & Responses
The Athletic’s Dennis Lin reported that 93 players could select multiple teams for each category. A separate report cited more than 100 players from 23 clubs, indicating a slightly larger sample. Respondents were asked to rank teams based on personal experience and perception.
Statistical Overview of Rankings
- Favorable votes (multiple answers allowed): Dodgers 59, Yankees 38, Cubs 28, Blue Jays 16, Braves 15 (93 total respondents).
- Unfavorable votes: Rockies 28, Pirates 23, Athletics 21, White Sox 21, Angels 14 (73 respondents).
- Overall, 18 teams earned at least two favorable votes; 13 teams received two or more unfavorable votes.
- The poll also noted that 20 of the 30 MLB clubs were mentioned in the negative list.
Drivers of Positive Reputation
Players highlighted financial resources, family-oriented amenities, and travel accommodations as key factors. The Dodgers’ dedicated player flights and the Yankees’ perceived front-office support were frequently cited. Their 14-year playoff streak also adds to allure. Toronto’s upgraded Rogers Centre and state-of-the-art training facilities also contributed to its fourth-place ranking.
Criticism of Low-Spending Organizations
Teams perceived as “cheap” attracted negative feedback. Players described the Rockies and Pirates as reluctant to invest in equipment, medical treatment, and player development. The criticism extended to a broader view that limited resources hinder long-term player success.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Which are the ones that are cheap as f--k?” — MLB player (anonymous)
- “The ones that are not cheap as f--k.” — MLB player (anonymous)
- “The Dodgers now have two flights that go everywhere. … Having a flight that's just players is kind of fun,” — MLB player (anonymous)
- “They tend to be the big-market teams that have a bunch of money to throw at family stuff,” — MLB player (AL)
- “They’ll do anything to win,” — MLB player (anonymous)
- “The facilities in Toronto are crazy good,” — MLB player (anonymous)
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Two sources differ on the poll’s sample size: one cites 93 respondents, while another mentions “more than 100 players” across 23 teams. The exact number of participants for the unfavorable category also varies between 73 and an unspecified count.
Implications for Player Movement and Future Strategies
The reputational hierarchy aligns with payroll rankings—Dodgers ($398 M) and Yankees ($308 M) top spending lists—suggesting financial capacity influences perception. Teams with strong reputations may leverage this advantage in free-agency negotiations, while organizations with negative reputations could face challenges attracting talent unless they address resource gaps.
