"Dodgers 2018: Who's the Owner?"

The Los Angeles Dodgers, one of Major League Baseball's (MLB) most storied franchises, have been under the ownership of Guggenheim Baseball Management since 2012. This article delves into the ownership history of the Dodgers, with a particular focus on the 2018 season.

Guggenheim Baseball Management: The Current Owners

Guggenheim Baseball Management, LLC (GBM), is a group led by Mark Walter, chairman and CEO of Guggenheim Partners, a global financial services firm. The group purchased the Dodgers from Frank McCourt in 2012 for $2.15 billion, ending a tumultuous period for the franchise marked by financial struggles and legal battles.

Walter is joined by Todd Boehly, a co-founder and partner at Guggenheim Partners, and Stan Kasten, the president and CEO of the team. The ownership group also includes former Lakers star Magic Johnson, who served as the Dodgers' president of basketball operations from 2017 to 2019.

Guggenheim's Impact on the Dodgers

Since taking over, Guggenheim Baseball Management has invested significantly in the Dodgers, both on and off the field. They have consistently ranked among the highest-spending teams in MLB, with a focus on improving the team's facilities, technology, and fan experience.

Under Guggenheim's ownership, the Dodgers have made the playoffs in seven consecutive seasons, including winning the World Series in 2020. They have also been recognized for their community involvement, receiving the MLB Commissioner's Award for Philanthropic Excellence in 2018.

The 2018 Season: A Year of Transition

The 2018 season was a significant year for the Dodgers, marked by both success and change. The team won the National League West division title for the sixth consecutive year but fell short in the World Series, losing to the Boston Red Sox in five games.

2018 also saw the departure of several key players, including Yasiel Puig, Matt Kemp, and Adrian Gonzalez, as the team began to transition towards a younger roster. Despite these changes, the Dodgers remained one of the most formidable teams in baseball, finishing the regular season with a 92-71 record.

Notable Transactions and Events in 2018

• In December 2017, the Dodgers traded Adrian Gonzalez, Scott Kazmir, and a player to be named later to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for Matt Kemp and cash considerations.
• In July 2018, the team acquired Manny Machado from the Baltimore Orioles in a trade that sent five minor league prospects to Baltimore.
• The 2018 season also saw the Dodgers set a new franchise record for home runs in a season, with 235 total home runs hit by the team.

Looking Ahead: The Future of the Dodgers

As the Dodgers enter the post-Magic Johnson era, with Kasten taking over as the team's controlling owner, the focus remains on building a competitive team that can contend for a World Series title. The team's commitment to investing in both its on-field product and fan experience suggests that the Dodgers will continue to be a major force in MLB under Guggenheim's ownership.

The 2018 season may have ended in disappointment, but it also marked a significant step in the Dodgers' evolution under Guggenheim Baseball Management. With a strong farm system and a commitment to winning, the future looks bright for the Boys in Blue.