San Diego Padres President of Baseball Operations and General Manager AJ Preller has weighed in on the ongoing discussion surrounding the Los Angeles Dodgers' perceived dominance in baseball, a topic that has fueled grumbling among rival teams. The Dodgers' consistent success and their ability to acquire star players through free agency and trades have led some to argue that their approach is detrimental to the league's competitive balance.
Preller, whose team directly competes with the Dodgers in the National League West, addressed the issue when speaking with reporters. When asked if the Dodgers are "ruining baseball," Preller responded, "When you have great teams and you have great players, it just raises the bar of other people and other players and other teams. Our focus is on what we needed to do to get better, and our group and our team."
This statement, shared via X by ESPN's Alden Gonzalez, suggests a philosophy of self-improvement rather than public criticism of a competitor's strategy. The acquisition of two-time reigning American League Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal by the Dodgers prior to the trade deadline has amplified these concerns among other clubs.
Despite the Dodgers' roster moves, Preller emphasized his team's commitment to strengthening its own position. The Padres made moves at the trade deadline by adding pitchers Robbie Ray and Casey Mize to their rotation, an effort to keep pace within the division, though the article notes these additions do not match the caliber of the Dodgers' acquisition of Skubal.