Yankees' Frugality Fuels Dodgers' World Series

The New York Yankees' frugal 2025 payroll strategy and refusal to exceed internal contract precedents left them short-handed in free agency and have drawn criticism as rivals invested heavily. The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Yoshinobu Yamamoto to a reported $325 million deal and added Freddie Freeman, who was named World Series MVP, with both players playing central roles in the Dodgers' title. Yamamoto delivered another dominant postseason complete game, vindicating the investment. Critics pointed to GM Brian Cashman's unwillingness to exceed Gerrit Cole's contract as a missed opportunity to sign Yamamoto. Former Yankees reliever Aroldis Chapman said he would rather retire than return to New York, rebounded with the Boston Red Sox in 2025 (1.17 ERA, 32 saves, 85 strikeouts) and signed a $13.3 million extension with a vesting 2027 option. Minor-league catcher/right-hander Matt Donlan retired after missing the 2025 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery.