Opening Day is FINALLY here!!
It’s Christmas Morning for baseball fans everywhere as they get set to watch their clubs take the field with the hopes of making a run at the World Series crown.
Unfortunately, if we look at the MLB landscape realistically, we know that we can scratch off virtually half the league when it comes to figuring out who the TRUE title contenders are.
In honor of MLB Opening Day, here is the best sports drone video you’ll ever see.
Wrigley Field is something special.pic.twitter.com/qNKCDBJFCK
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) March 28, 2024
The fact of the matter is there are several MLB owners who simply refuse to invest into their organizations.
Sure, they want to sell tickets, concessions and merchandise – and above all make money … But you can always tell if an owner is serious about winning or not.
A’s fans are chanting “SELL THE TEAM!!!” and “STAY IN OAKLAND!!!” outside of Oracle Park 🗣 pic.twitter.com/f2lyxSshcI
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) July 26, 2023
There is no salary cap in baseball. Yes, there is a luxury tax, but no one is stopping anyone from spending as much money on their team as possible.
It’s far from a perfect system, and as we know, a lot of smaller market teams just simply can’t keep up with the big boys.
But what annoys fans more than anything is when it’s crystal clear that the organization is not even trying to compete.
As we know, there’s a major difference about how the small market, yet baseball-savvy Tampa Bay Rays go about their business compared to the Oakland A’s of the world.
"Either A) Sell the team, or just focus on doing something good for the game of baseball."@scottbraun's plea to Oakland A's owner John Fisher. https://t.co/CN8grPAMwY pic.twitter.com/etdGS4QOTy
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) June 7, 2023
Speaking of investing, here are the top-five payrolls in all of baseball as we enter Opening Day…
#1. New York Mets: $301.5 Million
For the second consecutive season, the New York Mets claim the top spot in spending, boasting a staggering payroll exceeding $301.5 million.
Despite hefty investments, owner Steve Cohen seeks a more promising outcome following a lackluster 2023 season.
With notable expenses including $64 million allocated to former players and $11 million in minor league salaries, the Mets aim to capitalize on their diverse portfolio.
Francisco Lindor leads the payroll with a substantial $34.1 million, while the infamous Bobby Bonilla still garners $1.2 million this year.
Having said that, it’s widely speculated that Cohen views this season as a bridge-year to get everything back in order … In other words, don’t expect the Mets to contend for the title THIS season, despite their monstrous payroll.
#2. New York Yankees: $290 Million
The New York Yankees closely trail their city rivals with a formidable payroll totaling $290 million.
Anchored by star players like Aaron Judge ($40 million), Gerrit Cole ($36 million), and Giancarlo Stanton ($32 million), the Yankees continue their tradition of substantial spending, albeit falling short of the top spot in New York.
The pressure is on manager Aaron Boone and the Bombers to break their long (for them) World Series drought, which is coming up on 15-years.
#3. Houston Astros: $237.3 Million
Despite a considerable gap between the New York teams, the Houston Astros command attention with a payroll of $237.3 million.
Noteworthy contributors include Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman, who collectively earn $62 million, reflecting the team’s commitment to maintaining competitiveness following their 2022 World Series victory.
#4. Philadelphia Phillies: $236.2 Million
Climbing steadily up the payroll ranks, the Philadelphia Phillies secure the fourth position with a hefty expenditure of $236.2 million.
Bolstered by star talent such as Bryce Harper ($27.5 million), Trea Turner ($27.3 million), and Aaron Nola ($24.6 million), the Phillies signal their intent to contend aggressively this season.
#5. Atlanta Braves: $224.3 Million
Despite boasting the fifth-highest payroll at $224.3 million, the Atlanta Braves find themselves third in the National League East.
With a balanced roster and significant retained salary for former players, the Braves aim for success without a single player earning more than $22 million.
Reigning NL MVP Ronald Acuña Jr.’s modest $17 million salary stands out as a remarkable bargain in the league.
Remember when John Henry told a room full of Sox fans that high payrolls = high ticket prices?
Red Sox currently have the 11th highest payroll in MLB.
Red Sox have the 3rd highest ticket prices behind the Yankees and Dodgers.
Dodgers just spent $1B
— Colin Lynch (@CLynchtweets) December 22, 2023
Now, on the complete opposite end of the spectrum is the BOTTOM five payrolls in all of baseball … (None of these organizations being in the bottom-five should surprise anyone.)
#26. Tampa Bay Rays: $88 Million
You may disagree with their stingy approach, but at least the Rays surround themselves with smart baseball people who squeeze the most out of their microscopic payroll.
#27. Cleveland Guardians: $86.4 Million
To a much lesser degree, the Guardians are in a similar boat. They’ll never scare anyone, but they tend to stay competitive season-to-season.
#28. Miami Marlins: $83.7 Million
Miami surprised some people last year, but their constant refusal to invest into the roster is frustrating for the dozens of Marlins fans.
#29. Pittsburgh Pirates: $72 Million
At least they have Paul Skenes in the organization. Although, it’s only a matter of time before they trade him to a big market club. (Sorry Pirates fans, but you know it’s true.)
#30. Oakland Athletics: $47.9 Million
The A’s are in a league of their own when it comes to penny-pinching.
With only TWO players making more than $3.5 million, the A’s know they are a lame duck in Oakland with their inevitable move to Vegas on the horizon.
Hopefully when the move finally happens, they begin to act and operate like a Major League club.
No defense to anyone in the Mariners organization but what exactly are some of these teams doing around the league?
The MLB might need a payroll minimum. This is disgusting. pic.twitter.com/zCaPA48Kzc
— Trident True (@TridentTruee) March 2, 2024
What are your thoughts on the payroll list?
Does the financial system in baseball need to be fixed? … Should there be a salary cap max and/or floor?
What’s your (very) early World Series prediction???