Dodgers Use Deferred Compensation to Maximize $241M 2025 Payroll Value

The 2025 World Series features the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays, two of MLB's priciest rosters, with the Dodgers leading as the highest spender at over $240 million and the Blue Jays fifth at about $193 million. The Dodgers rely heavily on an expensive rotation, including stars like Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts, but their offense and bullpen have underperformed relative to the high payroll. Pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto notably delivered consecutive complete games in the playoffs, a feat not seen since 2014 and 2001, highlighting the Dodgers' pitching strength amid offensive struggles. Toronto counters with a mix of homegrown talent like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette and impactful veterans such as George Springer, who has been a postseason offensive leader. Financially, the Dodgers extensively use deferred compensation contracts, allowing them to secure about $241 million in player value while paying a significantly lower amount upfront, a strategy unique in scale but common in employment law. The upcoming series is framed as a classic pitching versus hitting matchup, with fans anticipating thrilling defensive plays and clutch performances.