Miami Marlins Face Off Against Dodgers Amid Deep Spending Inequality

MIAMI — Luis Diaz drove 40 minutes from Pembroke Pines, Fla., to LoanDepot Park on April 28, 2025, to watch the Miami Marlins play the Cincinnati Reds. Diaz and his friend, John Hewitt, paid $14 for tickets to see a game attended by 7,646 fans, a stark contrast to the packed Dodger Stadium, where 50,000 spectators watched the Los Angeles Dodgers just five days earlier.

The evening was perfect for baseball, with a gentle breeze rustling palm trees and the sun shining through the open roof. However, the low attendance underscored the challenges faced by the Marlins, who have struggled to attract fans. “We’ve got to find a way to make more money so we can compete with those high-end teams,” Diaz said. “It’s really up to the owners how they run the business.”

Hewitt pointed to empty sections of the stadium, remarking, “This place is empty today,” while Diaz noted, “There’s more Reds fans than Marlins fans.” The disparity in attendance reflects a broader issue in Major League Baseball, where financial inequalities between teams have deepened.

This season, when the Dodgers face the Marlins, the payroll difference is estimated at $406.5 million—a record high. The gap between wealthier franchises and those with limited resources creates hurdles for teams like the Marlins. According to Díaz, the team must adapt, stating, “That’s it. We’ve got to step up.”

The issue of spending inequality has sparked discussions in and out of the sport. With contracts like the New York Mets‘ 15-year, $765 million deal for outfielder Juan Soto and the Yankees spending $218 million on pitcher Max Fried, the imbalance is glaring. Nine teams, including the Marlins, have not signed any player to multiyear contracts this offseason.

Marlins owner Bruce Sherman defended his team’s strategy for building a competitive team, citing investments in facilities and minor-league infrastructure. However, fans like Diaz emphasize the need for a more significant commitment to player spending, highlighting how the Marlins rank lowest in National League attendance consistently.

In a sport increasingly aware of spending disparities, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has acknowledged concerns about the financial landscape but has not committed to a salary cap system that some believe could level the playing field.

As the season progresses, the Marlins will have to continue adjusting their strategies. Clay McCullough, who took over as manager, has been vocal about fostering a winning culture amid dwindling expectations. A recent series of trades have seen the team’s roster shift dramatically, aiming to build for the future.

For now, fans like Diaz and Hewitt are left hoping for a turnaround while witnessing the lavish spending of teams like the Dodgers. On the cusp of another game, they echoed a sentiment shared by many loyal supporters: “We can’t be mad at the Dodgers for having the money. They sell out every game.”