The Dodgers enter the 2023 with the fifth highest payroll in the game. At first glance, I’m not sure they are getting their money’s worth at $217 million+. They’ve been among the biggest spenders over the past decade, but I don’t think sentiment will win the NL.

Heading into the season, the Mets $335 million+ completely dwarfs the LA’s spending, much more discouraging for Dodger faithful is the amount the Padres have already committed-$236 million+. Furthermore, it was the pesky Padres that knocked the Dodgers out of the playoffs last year.

Even teams spending this kind of money, must be somewhat wary of misspending. Tough decisions need to be made and I’d argue their decision to not get in on one of the free agent shortstops may cost them come October.

Not only did they let superstar, Trea Turner walk and sign a crazy deal with the Phillies, the Plan A wasn’t that sound. Gavin Lux’s numbers at second, short and the outfield don’t warrant the hype. In 273 games, he’s posted a .253/.329/.383 slash line and 18 homers, 105 RBI and 14 stolen bases. That he won’t get the chance to prove me wrong stinks. Lux is going to miss the entire season. The Dodgers are going with the piecemeal approach. 34-year-old, Miguel Rojas is slated to start the season at short. While a nice role player. his overall numbers pale in comparison to Turner and the better shortstops in the league.

Without doing a deep dive in their entire roster, I’d argue that losing Justin Turner will be a problem and not because he’s being replaced by the inconsistent Max Muncy. In the past nine seasons with LA, Turner has slashed .296/.375/.490, 156 homers and 574 RBI.

All is not doom and gloom for the Dodgers as Mookie Betts is still one of the top players in the game. I wouldn’t be surprised if they opened up their checkbooks in the middle of the season, but they’re already a little late to the dance.