The Dodgers said they don't plan on maintaining this type of payroll. They are spending big now while they rebuild the farm system and then will likely lower payroll. I'm guessing you wont' see anyone keep a $200M payroll long term. Why not? With their massive new TV deal, the Dodgers can cover a 200 million dollar payroll with just their local TV revenue alone. That doesn't include money from good attendance, many millions in national TV contracts, and various other revenue sources. Because of the way the luxury tax works. By the time you pass the tax for the 3rd straight year you are charged a 42.5% tax which makes the investment a bad idea. That is why the Yankees are slashing payroll. Teams like the Dodgers will likely go with 3 year windows where they break the tax for a few years and then fall under it for a year. Stan Kasten said they don't plan on staying that high and I tend to believe him.