Wednesday September 27, 2023

MLB Payroll Trends Turned Upside Down At All-Star Break

  • Historical trends being inverted this year like never before
  • Low returns on unprecedented spending likely to bring large consequences
The Mets have been a disappointment this season.
Syndication: Arizona Republic
Front Office Sports Today

Taylor Swift Takes NFL to New Heights

Taylor Swift and her rumored relationship have brought in a new, more female-heavy audience.
Listen Now
September 27, 2023 | Podcast
Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

After more than a generation of MLB team payrolls closely tied to on-field success, that model is being inverted like never before.

Entering this week’s All-Star Break, the New York Mets — owners of MLB’s highest payroll ever at $348 million — are out of playoff position and openly musing about dismantling their current roster. A similar situation exists in San Diego, where the $246 million Padres — also below .500 after franchise-record offseason spending — are wondering what’s gone wrong.

Meanwhile, two of the three lowest-spending MLB teams and four of the bottom six are squarely in postseason contention, while the top four and five of the top six are currently not in playoff position.  

“It’s terrible,” Mets owner Steve Cohen said of his team’s situation. “That’s not what I expected.”

For more than two decades, MLB has wrestled with the effects of payroll disparity, which have deeply impacted multiple rounds of labor negotiations, caused numerous internal schisms between teams and individual owners, and led the league to create an economic reform committee last year.

But as teams like the $76 million Tampa Bay Rays — operating under near-constant sale rumors and without a modern ballpark — more than hold their own, more executives are openly questioning what strategy is truly best.

“You’ve heard me say numerous times now that I shouldn’t need a $300 million payroll to win a world championship,” said Hal Steinbrenner, managing general partner of the New York Yankees — who nevertheless are spending $280 million this year but sit a game out of the final AL Wild Card slot.

Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Bay Area WNBA Expansion Latest Step In League Growth

A new team is reportedly coming to the Bay Area.
Olympique-Lyonnais

French Soccer Club Lyon Seeking $300M Capital Raise

The club was sold for a record price last French year.

Magic Johnson Open To Knicks Minority Ownership Stake

Basketball Hall of Famer only interested in specific NBA franchise

NFL's Swift Mania Starting To Show Impact Through Merch Sales, Viewership

Taylor Swift stole the NFL's spotlight by attending Sunday's Chiefs game.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Taylor Swift Takes NFL to New Heights (w/ Andrew Brandt)

0:00
0:00

Featured Today

Taylor Swift at Chiefs vs. Bears game.

Taylor Swift NFL Hype Likely To Continue Another Week

Swift could drive blockbuster TV ratings for NBC's "Sunday Night Football."
September 27, 2023

Lillard And Giannis Pairing Could Be Big For The NBA, Too

Bucks to be featured on national TV 19 times this season
Golden State Warriors majority owner Joe Lacob walks alone the baseline during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Chase Center.
September 27, 2023

Warriors Owner Reportedly Adding A Bay Area WNBA Franchise

An official announcement could come as soon as early October.
NFL concussions
September 27, 2023

The NFL’s $1B Battle Over Concussion Settlement Heats Up

The NFL is seeking at least $1.2 billion from its risk carriers.

Careers

Powered By

Careers in Sports

Looking for a new job? Check out these featured listings and search for openings all over the world.
Chicago Cubs
Chicago
Fanatics
New York
Tri Star Sports and Entertainment Group, Inc.
USA - Multiple Locations

NHL Backs Unified Women’s League, Though Without Money

Leagues working together on numerous operational components
September 26, 2023

Miami Is A New Soccer Hub With FIFA, Argentina Moves

FIFA is moving 100+ employees to a new South Florida office.
September 25, 2023

NFL Owners' Debt Limit Could Increase To $1.6B

Currently, new NFL owners can use $1 billion of debt.
September 25, 2023

NFL's Next International Goal: Games in Spain, Brazil

A league executive says the games could take place in 2024.
September 25, 2023

LIV, PGA Tour Schedules Likely Clashing Despite PIF Deal

In 2024, LIV is reported to go head-to-head with the PGA Tour.
Chatri Sityodtong
September 25, 2023

ONE Championship's Quest To Challenge Rival UFC Through U.S. Expansion

Leveraging its Amazon deal, ONE Championship seeks to expand in U.S.
Sponsored

NHL’s Chris Foster on Amplifying Content Distribution With Automation

Learn how the NHL is using WSC Sports to increase fan engagement.
Teams without secured venue situations could be left out of a potential XFL-USFL merger.
September 21, 2023

XFL-USFL Merger Could Drop Teams, Change League Name

Teams without secured venues could be cut from a XFL-USFL merger.