By now, you've probably heard about everything the Los Angeles Dodgers do to add talent at all costs, ballooning their opening day payroll this season to $321 million in present-day dollars, the second-most in MLB (first: Mets). Off a World Series win in 2024, the Dodgers want to keep winning, and they added and re-signed players for a total of $450 million this winter after a $1 billion offseason last year. Luxury tax will push that cost for ownership even higher.
But Los Angeles is also looking for ways to spend outside of payroll to position the team for improved performance. One tactic highlighted in a recent Los Angeles Times article was the travel itinerary, which now includes a second chartered plane for the Dodgers. One plane takes players, the other takes manager Dave Roberts, his staff, and other team personnel.
