Los Angeles Dodgers haters continue to preach the importance of a salary cap, but the 2026 MLB Playoffs payroll tells an entirely different story.
Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers are heading back to the NLCS for the third time in as many seasons. Los Angeles will take on the Milwaukee Brewers, who had the best record in baseball during the regular season.
However, a wild MLB stat emerged showing the payroll disparity between the five MLB teams left in the postseason. Yes, the Dodgers are overwhelming at the top of the list, but the other four ball clubs are way behind.
In the American League, the Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Guardians and Tampa Bay Rays feature three of the four lowest MLB payrolls. Chicago is ranked 27th in the category, while Tampa Bay and Cleveland rank 28th and 29th, respectively.
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Salary cap or bust
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani (17) reacts after striking out against the Atlanta Braves during the fourth inning in game four of the NLDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Yes, the Dodgers have a higher payroll than the other four remaining playoff teams. Los Angeles is also aiming to three-peat in 2026 after winning the World Series the past two seasons.
However, the argument that a salary cap is the only way to fix baseball is a flawed one. The New York Mets, New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies regularly prove this theory to be true.
Those three teams are also in the top 5 of MLB payroll’s rankings, but haven’t had postseason success in years. In fact, the Mets didn’t even reach the playoffs in 2026 after posting a 74-88 regular season record.
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Remaining MLB Playoff teams’ payroll, rank
San Diego Padres right fielder Jase Bowen (4) celebrates withb San Diego Padres second baseman Jake Cronenworth (9) after the game against the Milwaukee Brewers in game three of the NLDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
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Los Angeles Dodgers, No. 1 ($410 million)
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Milwaukee Brewers, No. 19 ($142 million)
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Chicago White Sox, No. 27 ($94 million)
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Tampa Bay Rays, No. 28 ($90 million)
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Cleveland Guardians, No. 29 ($87 million)
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