Dodgers Fans in “Uproar” Over “Transfer Purge” Hoax; Reports of Rebuild Are “Categorically False”.vc

Despite viral social media rumors of a shocking “rebuild,” the back-to-back World Series champions and their entire core—including Ohtani, Betts, and Freeman—are publicly committed to a “three-peat” in 2026.

LOS ANGELES — In a clear case of viral disinformation, “stunning” reports of a franchise-altering “transfer purge” by the Los Angeles Dodgers have sent social media ablaze, causing a “painful” uproar among loyal fans.

The hoax, which claims the Dodgers are placing their entire core—including Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Will Smith, and Blake Snell—on the trade market in a “shocking bid to cut payroll,” is categorically false, according to all available team reports and financial data.

The baseball world is not questioning this “audacious strategy”; it is debunking it.

The Reality: A “Three-Peat,” Not a “Rebuild”

The viral rumor is directly contradicted by every action and statement from the Dodgers organization, which just celebrated its 2025 World Series championship—its second in a row—less than a week ago.

At the team’s victory parade, the narrative was not about a “franchise fracture” but about a “three-peat.”

• Manager Dave Roberts, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman all spoke to the sold-out crowd, alluding to their goal of winning a third consecutive championship in 2026.
• Betts, who now has four rings, told the crowd, “It’s time to fill the hand all the way up, baby,” while Ohtani stated, “I’m ready to get another ring next year. Let’s go.”

The Core Is Not Being Sold; It’s Locked In

The premise of a “payroll cut” is also factually impossible. The “incomparable core group” of superstars mentioned in the rumors is the very foundation of the Dodgers’ 2026 budget.

• According to multiple reports and contract databases (Spotrac, FanGraphs), the Dodgers’ 2026 payroll is the highest in Major League Baseball, projected to be well over $260 million.
• Betts, Freeman, Ohtani, Snell, Smith, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Tyler Glasnow are all under guaranteed, long-term contracts “well past the 2026 campaign.”
• Furthermore, far from rebuilding, the Dodgers are reportedly still in “buy” mode. League insiders have already named Los Angeles as a “top fit” for other nine-figure free agents, including superstar outfielder Kyle Tucker.

While the “stunning” rumor has left fans reeling, the reality is clear: the Dodgers are not beginning a fracture. They are cementing a dynasty.