The Dodgers’ Ongoing Payment to an Outfielder They Cut Two Years Ago: A Deep Dive
The world of Major League Baseball (MLB) is no stranger to extravagant contracts and unusual financial commitments, and the Los Angeles Dodgers are a prime example of how teams strategically manage payroll. One of the quirkiest facets of MLB’s financial landscape is the prevalence of deferred payments, where teams continue to pay players long after they’ve departed or even retired. This practice has recently thrust the Dodgers into the spotlight as reports confirm they will pay an outfielder they cut two years ago nearly $10 million in 2025. This situation raises questions about the financial strategies behind such decisions, the player’s backstory, and the broader implications for MLB.
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The Dodgers’ Deferred Payment: A Recap
The player in question is A.J. Pollock, who signed a lucrative contract with the Dodgers in January 2019. Pollock, a former Arizona Diamondbacks standout, inked a four-year, $55 million deal with Los Angeles, including a player option for 2023. Though initially celebrated as a key acquisition to bolster the Dodgers’ outfield and lineup, Pollock’s tenure in Los Angeles was marked by inconsistency. While he produced solid offensive numbers during his time with the Dodgers, injuries and a fluctuating performance in high-stakes games cast a shadow over his overall contributions.
In 2022, the Dodgers traded Pollock to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for closer Craig Kimbrel. The move seemed financially motivated, as it allowed the Dodgers to shed some of Pollock’s remaining salary while addressing bullpen needs. However, Pollock’s contract included deferred payments, a common mechanism teams use to balance their books while managing luxury tax implications. This is why, despite being cut in 2023 and no longer playing for the Dodgers, Pollock remains on their payroll.
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Why Deferred Payments?
Deferred payments are not new in professional sports, particularly in MLB, where long-term contracts and large sums are the norm. Teams often use deferred salaries to:
1. Manage Luxury Tax Penalties: MLB imposes a luxury tax on teams whose total payroll exceeds a certain threshold. By deferring payments, teams can reduce their immediate payroll commitments, staying under the tax line or minimizing penalties.
2. Maintain Financial Flexibility: Deferring payments allows teams to allocate funds for other roster improvements while meeting their obligations to players over time.
3. Attract Free Agents: Some players prefer deferred contracts because they ensure long-term financial security, even after their playing days are over.
In Pollock’s case, the Dodgers structured his deal to include deferred payments that extend through 2025. This strategy is reminiscent of other famous MLB deals, such as the New York Mets’ agreement with Bobby Bonilla, who receives $1.19 million annually until 2035 despite retiring in 2001.
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The A.J. Pollock Era in Los Angeles
Pollock joined the Dodgers with high expectations. A Gold Glove winner and All-Star in 2015, Pollock was seen as a dynamic outfielder who could provide defensive stability and offensive production. However, his time in Los Angeles was a mixed bag:
2019 Season: Pollock struggled with injuries and inconsistency, playing in only 86 games and posting a modest .266 batting average with 15 home runs.
2020 Season: The COVID-shortened season saw Pollock rebound with a strong performance, hitting .276 with 16 home runs in 55 games, helping the Dodgers secure their first World Series title since 1988.
2021 Season: Pollock continued to perform well, hitting .297 with 21 home runs, but he struggled in key postseason moments, an area where fans and analysts scrutinize player value.
Ultimately, Pollock’s tenure ended with the 2022 trade to the White Sox, signaling the Dodgers’ desire to move in a different direction.
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Financial Implications for the Dodgers
Paying nearly $10 million to a player no longer on the roster might seem wasteful, but it’s a calculated move within the Dodgers’ broader financial strategy. As one of MLB’s wealthiest teams, the Dodgers are not shy about spending. Their deep pockets enable them to absorb such financial commitments without compromising their ability to pursue top-tier talent. However, it does highlight the challenges teams face in balancing performance expectations with long-term contractual obligations.
The Dodgers’ decision to defer payments also underscores the high stakes of free-agent signings. While Pollock provided value during his time in Los Angeles, his contract ultimately became a financial burden, forcing the team to navigate its ramifications even years after his departure.
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The Broader MLB Context
The Dodgers’ situation with Pollock is not an isolated case. MLB history is filled with examples of teams paying players long after their playing days or tenure with the organization ended. Some notable examples include:
Bobby Bonilla (New York Mets): As mentioned earlier, Bonilla’s deferred deal is perhaps the most famous, with the Mets paying him annually through 2035.
Manny Ramirez (Boston Red Sox): Ramirez received deferred payments from the Red Sox long after being traded in 2008.
Max Scherzer (Washington Nationals): Scherzer’s seven-year, $210 million deal included $105 million in deferred payments, ensuring he would be paid through 2028.
These deals highlight the complexities of MLB’s financial ecosystem, where teams must weigh the benefits of acquiring talent against the long-term costs of their contracts.
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Lessons for the Dodgers and Other Teams
The Dodgers’ experience with Pollock serves as a cautionary tale for MLB teams considering large free-agent deals. While deferred payments can be a useful tool, they can also create long-term financial obligations that limit flexibility. For teams like the Dodgers, with substantial resources, these commitments may be manageable, but smaller-market teams could find themselves hamstrung by similar arrangements.
Key takeaways for teams include:
1. Evaluating Risk vs. Reward: Teams must carefully assess a player’s injury history, age, and potential decline before committing to long-term deals.
2. Strategic Financial Planning: Deferred payments should be structured to align with a team’s long-term financial goals, avoiding situations where they become a significant burden.
3. Balancing Immediate and Future Needs: While deferring payments can free up short-term resources, it’s essential to consider how these commitments impact future payroll flexibility.
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Conclusion
The Dodgers’ continued payments to A.J. Pollock through 2025 illustrate the complexities of MLB contracts and financial planning. While the nearly $10 million owed to Pollock in 2025 may seem unusual, it is part of a broader strategy to manage payroll and maintain competitive flexibility. As one of baseball’s financial powerhouses, the Dodgers are well-equipped to handle such obligations, but their experience offers valuable lessons for other teams navigating the challenges of roster construction and contract management. Ultimately, this case serves as a reminder that in MLB, the effects of a single contract can linger long after the player has moved on.