Dodgers hater just made hilarious (and evil) point about LA's 2026 payroll

The Los Angeles Dodgers, fresh off their second World Series title in as many years, are already being viewed as the top suitor for Kyle Tucker this offseason. While Dodgers naysayers suggest that there is eventually going to be a time when the Dodgers aren't able to spend money as freely as they have in recent years, that time won't be arriving this offseason.

USA Today's Bob Nightengale didn't reveal state secrets when he suggested the Dodgers will be the most aggressive team in free agency, but in making his point, he made a hilarious point about Los Angeles' current payroll situation. The Dodgers are clearing nearly $100 million from their books, and a noted Dodgers hater just made the hilarious realization that it was money mostly tied to players who made little to no impact during the team's playoff run.

The Los Angeles Dodgers' books are getting cleaner and it's comical how they are doing it

Weep!

In the case of Chris Taylor, the veteran utility man didn't even finish the season with the Dodgers. Meanwhile. Conforto was a season-long disappointment during his only season in LA, and he was left off the Dodgers' playoff roster entirely. Yates suffered a hamstring strain near the end of the regular season and was forced to miss the playoffs.

Kershaw, to his credit, was on the Dodgers' playoff roster as he closed out his career, but after a five-run outing against the Philadelphia Phillies in the NLDS, the future Hall of Famer turned into an "in case of emergency, break glass" option for Dave Roberts; hence why Kershaw was called upon in the 12th inning of the Dodgers' 18-inning win over the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 3 of the World Series.

At this point, it's lazy to say that the Dodgers are ruining baseball. Above all else, the Dodgers have proved masters at taking advantage of the opportunities in front of them. The latest opportunity should point them directly to their top free agent target.

Conforto's struggles this season emphasized the Dodgers' need for a corner outfielder. LA was interested in Guardians' All-Star Steven Kwan at the MLB trade deadline, and they certainly could revisit talks this offseason. However, with the added money, the simpler solution for the Dodgers would be to just pay Tucker. After all, they have the space not to worry about the idea that they may be overpaying this offseason's top free agent.

They just generated a ton more revenue with their World Series win and have $87 million in sunk costs (among other non-tender options) already out of the picture for 2026.