The Dodgers being weak has been compared to upgrading to a new iPhone; former Dodgers player Joe Kelly, who wore number 17, made sharp comments that sparked widespread discussion.

Regarding the Los Angeles Dodgers signing top free agent star Kyle Tucker again, former Dodgers pitcher Joe Kelly, who wore number 17 and announced last year that he would "no longer pitch," candidly said on MLB Network Radio that it was "no surprise," vividly likening the move to "many people wanting a new iPhone every fall."

Kelly stated on the show: "I’m not surprised at all. I know many are upset about it. But think about it—every fall people line up for the newest iPhone, right? The Dodgers are working hard to strengthen their team, and the team itself is a 'product.' Even if the Dodgers already have the strongest lineup, they keep improving the product—this is exactly what they are doing now."

He even emphasized that among major American professional sports leagues (including NFL, NBA, MLB, MLS, NHL), the Dodgers are currently one of the most professionally run teams.

Kelly once gave up his number 17 jersey when Shohei Ohtani joined the Dodgers, and his wife’s welcome video caused a stir. Ohtani’s gesture of gifting a Porsche after receiving the number also became a hot topic. Although Kelly describes his career shift as "no longer playing" rather than "retiring," his frank remarks have always drawn fans’ attention.