In the MLB, as with pretty much everything in life, having money helps.
It would be irresponsible to deny it.
However, and the reason any of the 30 MLB franchises can be competitive during a specific period of time, money doesn’t necessarily equate to more World Series wins.
In many cases, it doesn’t even guarantee a postseason berth.
Just ask the 35-43 New York Mets, owners of the biggest payroll in baseball.
In fact, FOX Sports MLB published every division leader in baseball and their roster ranking.
The results of the exercise were quite interesting.
Here’s a look at the roster of the 1st place teams as we get closer to the halfway point 💰👀 pic.twitter.com/nZjViCjbAf
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) June 26, 2023
Among MLB division leaders, the highest payroll belongs to the Atlanta Braves (eighth) with just over $202 million.
That means baseball’s seven biggest payrolls aren’t good enough to lead their division.
Then we have the Texas Rangers (9th), the Minnesota Twins (17), the Arizona Diamondbacks (21), the Cincinnati Reds (25) and the Tampa Bay Rays (28).
That list was compiled before Monday’s results: The Milwaukee Brewers now lead the NL Central, but the principle still applies because they also have a low payroll.
What do these teams have in common?
They’ve built strong farm systems over the years and have graduated a lot of that talent in the last two years.
The really strong organizations build a good farm and spend on a free agent or two to bolster their chances.
That must be the strategy of a competitive team.
NEXT:
Yankees fan adds context to Alek Manoah’s nightmarish start
