Dodgers Set New Luxury Tax Record as MLB Fines Top $400 Million
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The Los Angeles Dodgers have broken the luxury tax record, owing a staggering $169.4 million after their second consecutive World Series win. This brings their total tax bill over two years to $272.4 million. The New York Mets, who missed the playoffs, come in second with a $91.6 million tax bill, pushing their four-year total to $320.3 million under owner Steve Cohen's high-spending strategy. The Dodgers' fifth consecutive tax-paying season has set a new benchmark, surpassing their previous high of $103 million set last year. A notable factor in their large tax bill is the non-cash compensation for Shohei Ohtani, which included $949,244 for suite use, an interpreter, and other perks. The Mets' tax bill was also inflated by $369,886 in non-cash compensation for Juan Soto, who had a contract specifying luxury suite use, premium tickets, and personal security for the All-Star outfielder and his family. Other teams, including the Yankees, Toronto (AL champions), Philadelphia, San Diego, Boston, Houston, and Texas, will also pay a total of $402.6 million in luxury taxes, matching the previous record of nine teams set last year. The tax money is due to MLB by January 21.
