The Los Angeles Dodgers had a competitive balance tax payroll of $268,161,290 during the 2023 season, which was roughly $35 million above the threshold. As a result, the club was hit with a luxury tax bill of $19.4 million.
Unlike the last two years, the Dodgers did not reach the second surcharge threshold of $273 million, which means they kept their No. 23 pick in the 2024 MLB Draft.
Only the New York Mets, San Diego Padres and New York Yankees had their first-round selection moved back 10 spots for exceeding the competitive balance tax by more than $40 million.
However, the Dodgers forfeited their second- and fifth-round picks for signing Shohei Ohtani to a 10-year, $700 million contract during the offseason. The Los Angeles Angels extended a $20.325 million qualifying offer to Ohtani, which he rejected before signing with the Dodgers.
The Angels were awarded the No. 74 overall pick after Competitive Balance Round B as a result of losing Ohtani after he declined their qualifying offer.
While the Dodgers gained two additional compensatory picks for the 2024 MLB Draft, they did not receive any this year. That is because they elected not to extend a qualifying offer to any of their eligible free agents from the past offseason, including Clayton Kershaw and J.D. Martinez.
Kershaw of course re-signed with the Dodgers on a one-year contract that includes a player option for 2025. Martinez went on to ink a one-year, $12 million deal with the Mets.
With a current luxury tax payroll of more than $329 million, the Dodgers are on track to exceed all three surcharge thresholds for the 2024 season.
How many picks do Dodgers have in 2024 MLB Draft?
The Dodgers have 18 picks in the 2024 MLB Draft, led by their No. 23 overall selection in the first round. They will also make picks in the third round, fourth round and rounds 6-20.
The 2024 MLB Draft will be held over three days from July 14-16 during All-Star Week in Arlington, Texas.
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