The Big Red Machine still outclasses the Dodgers despite their star power

To get a team nickname in baseball, you have to be more than just good; you have to be timeless. Murderers’ Row, Harvey’s Wallbangers, the Miracle Mets, and, of course, the Big Red Machine. The name isn’t so much about the individual players. It’s the vibe, the swagger, the atmosphere that extends out to capture the fans and the city as a whole. Despite the Dodgers’ recent dominance, the club’s lack of a cohesive identity (and a cool nickname) has prevented Los Angeles from attaining icon status.

On paper, the current dynastic Dodgers hold the advantage over the Reds. From 1970–1979, the Reds won six division titles, appeared in four World Series (with two wins), and posted a .592 win percentage. Over the past 10 seasons, the Dodgers won nine division titles, appeared in five World Series (with three wins), and posted a .621 win percentage. Still, the Dodgers have failed to build a brand and cement a singular moniker that encapsulates the team. That’s where the Big Red Machine wins out.

Dodgers may have had more success than the Reds, but the Big Red Machine will always be more iconic

Cincinnati’s core, particularly the Great Eight that brought home back-to-back titles in 1975 and ‘76, was mostly a homegrown group. Johnny Bench, Pete Rose, Tony Pérez, Lee May, Dave Concepción, Ken Griffey, and Dan Driessen all debuted with Cincinnati. Bobby Tolan, Joe Morgan, George Foster, and César Gerónimo were acquired through trades, but only Morgan was an established star at the time of his deal. In other words, the Big Red Machine was deliberately and painstakingly constructed, like any good machine.

The Dodgers, on the other hand, have the advantage of playing in the era of free agency. What depth the team lacks in the farm system, they snatch up on the open market. Of the position players that appeared on the 2024 and ‘25 World Series roster, only catcher Will Smith and outfielder Andy Pages developed through the Dodgers’ system. (World Series hero Miguel Rojas came up with the Dodgers as well, but he played most of his career with the Marlins before returning to L.A. in a 2023 trade.) The Dodgers were, like the Avengers, assembled.

This isn’t a criticism of LA per se. They’re just playing modern baseball and adjusting to the economic demands of the current era. However, it’s hard to build a brand and an identity with superstars who made their name elsewhere. The storylines have already been written, and the roles have already been cast. If you’re looking for a team that rewards efficiency and precision, that emphasizes internal player development, that represents the grit of the Midwest and not the glitz of Hollywood, the Big Red Machine is still the best.