Padres’ Nick Castellanos fires off a spicy truth about the Dodgers’ endless payroll

There are mixed emotions amongst baseball fans when it comes to how the Los Angeles Dodgers have built their roster, and it comes from the concern that other teams can’t do the same thing as them.

The Dodgers go all out every offseason, acquiring talent as it presents itself with relentless ambition. As a team, they have eclipsed $400 million in total payroll and are making a run for a three-peat.

Surrounded by scrutiny, many fans, players, and executives denounce the behavior by the Dodgers organization. But with all the hate they get for it, there are plenty who admire the drive presented by the front office.

Nick Castellanos’ Dodgers spending honesty highlights the Padres’ most annoying hurdle

One San Diego Padres’ free agent signing came out and gave the Dodgers props on how they approach the offseason each year.

"Dodgers have tapped into a global market with Shohei Ohtani. They understand how right now they have the ability to establish themselves as a global super power. Earth's baseball team so to speak."

This quote comes from Nick Castellanos, who was signed with the Padres on a one-year deal worth league minimum. He acknowledged that the Dodgers play the international market incredibly well and that it is a key reason for their success.

​​"They know that the only way they're going to be able to sustain that and be able to win championship after championship is to have the best players that baseball can produce.”

The truth is, he’s right, the best way to win is to be aggressive and go after the best talent in baseball. After all, it's worked the past two seasons.

The only issue that comes with it is the fact that some teams can’t spend as much as they do, which poses an issue.

The Padres/Dodgers rivalry will take on new heights in 2026, and it should be one of the best yet.