Los Angeles Dodgers Dominate MLB Front Office Rankings Again

LOS ANGELES, CA – The Los Angeles Dodgers have topped the MLB front office rankings for the second consecutive year, demonstrating consistency and effectiveness in player acquisition and performance management. The Athletic conducted a poll among 40 MLB executives, revealing that the Dodgers garnered 300 total points and 23 first-place votes, solidifying their status as a powerhouse in Major League Baseball.

The rankings were based on a point system where voters ranked their top five front offices, excluding their own teams. The Dodgers’ achievement is attributed to the strategic leadership of President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman and the organization’s ability to operate efficiently across all facets of the game.

“In some ways it’s hard to pick anyone but the Dodgers, right?” said an American League executive. “They are operating as well and as consistently across all areas of acquisition and development and performance as any team in modern history.”

Despite their success, five executives intentionally left the Dodgers off their ballots, with some citing a preference for teams that face greater challenges, such as the Tampa Bay Rays, Cleveland Guardians, and Milwaukee Brewers. These franchises have excelled in low-payroll settings and have reached the postseason multiple times in recent years.

“I respect Andrew Friedman and Brian Cashman a lot,” noted a team president. “But they have advantages a lot of teams don’t. The teams I most admire are the ones like Tampa Bay, Cleveland, and Milwaukee.”

While the Dodgers are celebrated for their achievement, their financial advantage raises concerns among rival teams about equity in MLB operations. An executive remarked, “The only issue is they’ve almost reached a point of having an unfair advantage over everybody else in everything they do.” This sentiment highlights the ongoing discussions among teams regarding future collective bargaining agreements set to begin in 2027.

The Dodgers continue to build on a strong foundation of homegrown talent, complemented by significant acquisitions like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Shohei Ohtani. Their ability to cultivate a balanced roster supports their dominance on the field. “They manage their roster so well,” expressed an American League general manager. “It’s not just that they have money; they’re constantly making good decisions.”

Other teams in the rankings included the Tampa Bay Rays in second place with 236.5 points and eight first-place votes. The Brewers and Guardians also received notable support, reflecting their effective strategies within budgetary constraints. The notable absence of teams like the St. Louis Cardinals from the rankings further underlines the shifting dynamics in MLB front office evaluations.

Overall, the Dodgers’ exemplary management illustrates the critical factors influencing success in Major League Baseball, including financial investment, strategic decision-making, and development of talent from the farm system.