The Yankees were chastised for not opposing the Dodgers’ millionaire payroll and for being frugal with Marcus Stroman.

In the high-stakes world of Major League Baseball, few teams garner as much attention as the New York Yankees. Known for their storied history, tradition, and success, the Yankees have long been regarded as the gold standard in the sport. However, in recent years, despite their financial resources and a commitment to competitiveness, the Yankees have found themselves facing mounting criticism for not spending aggressively to build a championship-caliber roster. Two major points of contention have emerged: their apparent reluctance to challenge the Los Angeles Dodgers’ massive payroll and their decision to be frugal when it came to acquiring top talent like Marcus Stroman, a pitcher whose talents could have bolstered the Yankees’ pitching staff.

For years, the Yankees have been synonymous with spending big, especially during the peak of the Steinbrenner era. In the 1990s and early 2000s, the team’s willingness to open their checkbook for star players like Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, and CC Sabathia solidified their reputation as a team willing to do whatever it took to win. However, as baseball has evolved and financial dynamics have shifted, the Yankees have opted for a more measured approach in recent seasons. Critics argue that this change in strategy has put them at a disadvantage compared to high-payroll teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, who have continued to invest heavily in talent and remain a powerhouse year after year.

The Yankees’ failure to keep pace with the Dodgers’ aggressive spending, coupled with their reluctance to go after players like Marcus Stroman, has led to significant criticism. In this article, we’ll explore why the Yankees have been chastised for not opposing the Dodgers’ financial muscle, the impact of their frugality, and the broader implications for the team’s future in a rapidly changing baseball landscape.

The Dodgers’ Millionaire Payroll: Setting the Standard in Baseball

In many ways, the Los Angeles Dodgers have redefined what it means to spend in modern baseball. With the backing of a media and entertainment empire, the Dodgers have emerged as one of the wealthiest franchises in sports, and they have not hesitated to use their financial resources to build a championship-caliber team. With a payroll that consistently ranks among the highest in MLB, the Dodgers have made a habit of signing star players, retaining key talent, and filling out their roster with high-level depth. Their willingness to spend on free agents, trading for big names, and re-signing their own stars has been a significant factor in their sustained success.

Since Andrew Friedman took over as president of baseball operations in 2014, the Dodgers have spent aggressively in the market. Whether it’s signing high-profile free agents like Mookie Betts, Max Scherzer, and Freddie Freeman, or bringing in valuable contributors through trade, the Dodgers have maintained a high payroll, positioning themselves as perennial contenders. The team has also invested heavily in their farm system, creating a pipeline of young talent that ensures they remain competitive for years to come. As a result, the Dodgers have become an MLB juggernaut, winning multiple division titles and taking home a World Series championship in 2020.

In contrast to the Dodgers’ financial freewheeling, the Yankees have taken a more conservative approach in recent years. Despite still being one of the wealthiest franchises in baseball, the Yankees have adopted a strategy of financial discipline, opting to focus on player development, analytics, and a more sustainable roster construction model.

While this strategy has paid dividends in some areas, such as player development and drafting, it has left many questioning whether the Yankees are doing enough to compete with the Dodgers’ unlimited resources. For instance, the Yankees’ payroll has been steady but not on the same level as the Dodgers’, particularly when it comes to the luxury tax. Many argue that the Yankees, with their financial might, should be more aggressive in pursuing top-tier free agents and building a roster capable of challenging the Dodgers’ dominance.

The Yankees’ Reluctance to Spend: A More Cautious Approach

Under the guidance of Brian Cashman, the Yankees have been known for their careful approach to roster construction. The team’s front office has increasingly focused on player development and the farm system, building a sustainable roster through the draft and trades rather than relying solely on high-priced free agents. This philosophy has led to some successes, such as the emergence of stars like Aaron Judge and Gleyber Torres, but it has also raised questions about the team’s commitment to maximizing their chances of winning a championship in the short term.

The Yankees’ reluctance to spend freely has been particularly noticeable when compared to the Dodgers. While the Yankees have not completely ignored the free-agent market, their moves have been more methodical and, at times, cost-conscious. Gerrit Cole, the top free-agent pitcher of the 2019 offseason, was a notable exception, but outside of that splash, the Yankees have largely avoided going after the big names on the market in recent years. They have also failed to meet the high expectations of some of their fan base who believe the team should operate with an open checkbook to secure elite talent.

One example of this frugality has been the Marcus Stroman situation. Stroman, a former top pitcher for the New York Mets, became a free agent after the 2022 season and was highly sought after due to his consistent production and ability to anchor a starting rotation. Despite his solid track record and fit within the Yankees’ roster needs, the Yankees ultimately chose to pass on Stroman, with some reports indicating they were unwilling to meet his asking price.

Marcus Stroman: A Missed Opportunity?

Marcus Stroman’s decision to sign with the Chicago Cubs rather than the Yankees raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. Stroman, a right-handed pitcher known for his ground-ball heavy approach, was seen as a perfect fit for the Yankees’ rotation, which had been searching for an experienced starter to complement Cole. With his durability, effectiveness, and experience in the postseason, Stroman was viewed as a pitcher who could help elevate the Yankees’ pitching staff to a championship level.

However, the Yankees’ reluctance to pursue Stroman more aggressively in free agency has drawn sharp criticism. Many fans argue that the Yankees missed an opportunity to improve their rotation and strengthen their overall roster by passing on a player who would have been a significant asset. While the Yankees had other options, including younger pitchers and prospects, Stroman’s proven track record of success at the major league level made him a more secure and immediate option to help the team contend.

Some argue that the Yankees’ frugality in dealing with Stroman highlights a broader issue within the organization. In recent years, the Yankees have prioritized cost control and have been hesitant to sign players to long-term, high-dollar contracts unless they are absolute superstars like Cole. This approach has made it harder for the Yankees to build a complete, balanced roster capable of competing with teams like the Dodgers, who have shown a willingness to spend and take risks on top-tier talent.

The Fallout: What Does This Mean for the Yankees?

As the Yankees continue to take a more cautious approach to spending, the contrast between them and the Los Angeles Dodgers becomes more apparent. The Dodgers, with their seemingly unlimited payroll, have continued to reload year after year with star talent. Meanwhile, the Yankees have struggled to keep pace, especially in a market where other teams, such as the New York Mets, have also ramped up their spending.

This disparity has significant implications for the Yankees’ future. As the luxury tax threshold continues to increase and teams like the Dodgers keep spending at an elite level, the Yankees’ strategy of financial restraint could leave them in a position where they are unable to compete with the league’s top spenders. While the Yankees’ core of homegrown players like Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Luis Severino provides a strong foundation, it’s clear that they need to supplement their roster with more high-quality acquisitions if they are to have a legitimate chance at a World Series.

In addition, the Yankees’ hesitancy to engage with the free-agent market or make bold trades for proven veterans could cause them to fall behind in the arms race for top-tier talent. With so many of their competitors willing to spend big and take chances on elite players, the Yankees’ more measured approach may no longer be enough to compete at the highest level.

The Way Forward: A Call for Aggression in Free Agency

The Yankees’ path forward is clear: if they want to remain competitive and once again become a true World Series contender, they must embrace a more aggressive stance in free agency. The Dodgers have shown that spending big isn’t just a luxury — it’s a necessity in the modern MLB landscape. The Yankees, with their massive revenue streams, have the financial resources to match the Dodgers’ commitment to building a championship-caliber roster.

While building through the draft and player development is important, the Yankees must be willing to make bold moves in free agency and trade markets. Marcus Stroman could have been a valuable addition to the rotation, but the Yankees need to expand their horizons and actively pursue other top-tier players who can make an immediate impact.

By following a more aggressive spending strategy, the Yankees can position themselves to contend with the Dodgers and other wealthy teams in the league. Only then will they have the chance to end their World Series drought and reclaim their spot at the pinnacle of Major League Baseball.