No 2027 MLB Season? League Facing Major Salary Cap Debate
MLB insider Jeff Passan suggested on October 13, 2025, that if the Los Angeles Dodgers won the National League Championship Series over the Milwaukee Brewers to advance to the World Series, then the 2027 MLB season, which is the first season after the current Collective Bargaining Agreement expires, could straight up not happen.
Unfortunately, for those who take Passan’s word as fact and want a 2027 season, the Dodgers won. Backed by Shohei Ohtani, who hit three home runs and struck out ten Brewers in game four, the Dodgers swept the Brewers. In fact, the Dodgers outscored the Brewers 15-4 across the four games, proving the series was no contest.
The issue is rooted in the owners’ desire for a salary cap. Some owners believe it would put teams like the Dodgers in check.
As for the Players Association’s view, a cap is non-negotiable. For reference, according to Spotrac, the Dodgers spent $350 million this season (before adding luxury tax penalties that push it to $500 million per Passan). The Dodgers’ opponent in the World Series, the Toronto Blue Jays, spent only $255.2 million before penalties. Such a dispute, as Passan implies, has put both the owners and players at a stalemate.
Passan suggests that a Dodgers World Series win would provide more evidence of what owners think is extinguishing the viability of other teams’ success, simply because another one outspent the other. Yet, if the Blue Jays win, then it could enforce the players’ view that talent comes before anything, and money doesn’t always equal the success it may seem to. Teams like the Blue Jays or Brewers pride themselves on player development and analytics. With that said, some argue the Dodgers have also done their part in player development and analytics, especially with homegrown pieces like outfielder Andy Pages.
While it’s not the first time (and likely not the last) both sides have been in a dispute like this, the attempt at a cap may cause a more severe lockout that may end in lost games.
