Dodgers Make Yankees Look Like Minor League Club, Popular Radio Host Says
New York Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner recently caused an uproar when he suggested that the Yankees don’t make a profit and are actually burdened financially.
Among Steinbrenner’s most outspoken critics was popular radio host Mike Francesca, who directly challenged Steinbrenner during a recent episode of The Mike Francesca Podcast, indicating that Steinbrenner has failed as an owner in an area where his father succeeded.
“(Describing) the Yankees has anything but an absolute gold mine is a joke,” Francesca said. “A joke. Now, you don’t want to play the game on the Dodgers’ level? Fine, the Dodgers have made the Yankees look like an A-ball outfit. That’s what’s really bad.”
“George (Steinbrenner) never would have allowed this,” Francesca continued. “They have allowed the Dodgers to take what the Yankees used to do … ‘we are bigger, we are better, we spend more, we shop at Tiffany’s, we buy the best, we are the best.’ That’s how the Yankees acted.”
“They don’t act that way anymore,” Francesca added. “Now they’re satisfied when they make the playoffs.”
Hal Steinbrenner assumed control of the New York Yankees in 2008, succeeding his father. Early in his oversight, the team captured its 27th World Series title in 2009, cementing a strong start amid aggressive spending. Since then, the Yankees have reached the playoffs in 12 of 17 seasons, including six American League Championship Series appearances, yet a prolonged title drought persists, with the most recent postseason exit coming in the 2025 ALDS against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Steinbrenner recently praised manager Aaron Boone’s efforts while signaling a desire to trim costs below $300 million for 2026, calling it “ideal” amid league-wide financial strains. He also voiced support for an MLB salary cap.