This MLB season, the league’s leadership and owners have actively discouraged excessive spending. They launched a marketing campaign highlighting payroll discrepancies during broadcasts on the league’s streaming services. “Level the Playing Field,” the message reads, targeting teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers with a focus on their substantial payroll and luxury tax obligations. This overlooks the fact that luxury taxes return to the league and benefit smaller market teams.
The campaign aims to garner fan support for a potential lockout and the introduction of a salary cap. It appears to be effective, as many fans on social media echo the owners’ views, demanding more profits for teams and disregarding on-field outcomes.
Examining Payroll and Team Performance
The notion propagated is that smaller or lower payroll teams struggle to compete against well-funded franchises. The New York Yankees and the Dodgers are often cited, while other teams in similar markets are ignored.
According to Sportrac, the New York Mets have the highest payroll this season, yet they’re 53-68 and far from playoff contention. Nearby, the Los Angeles Angels, despite being in a major market, haven’t reached the playoffs since 2012 and currently have the worst record in baseball.
San Francisco and Philadelphia also underperform despite high payrolls. On the other hand, the Yankees are in second place, while Toronto, with a top-five payroll, is nearly out of playoff prospects. Even Houston, ranked top ten in payrolls, faces similar struggles with their rival Texas Rangers.
Unexpected Success Stories
Given these scenarios, which teams are thriving? With about 40 games left, the Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays lead with the best records. The Brewers hold a 74-46 win-loss record, poised for a bye in the playoffs, while the Rays have matched that record and are riding a nine-game win streak.
Both teams have relatively low payrolls—19th and 23rd according to Sportrac. The Chicago White Sox, leading their division, rank 25th. Cleveland, last in payroll, remains in wild card contention.
Public Opinion and the Call for a Salary Cap
These developments challenge the narrative that fans have little hope. However, MLB and the owners may still influence public opinion in favor of a salary cap. Fans may focus on postseason outcomes, which are often decided by timing and luck rather than regular season performance.
Historical instances, like the Dodgers’ playoff struggles, show that a strong regular season does not guarantee playoff victories in MLB, contrasting with leagues like the NFL. The Rays and Brewers, successful in the regular season, face the unpredictability of shorter playoff series.
Ultimately, fans may base their salary cap stance on whether established teams like the Dodgers win. Yet, if the Brewers or Rays capture a title, perceptions might shift. The Rays reaching the World Series in 2020 offers an example of hope for smaller market teams.
Ian Miller writes for OutKick.