(Photo by Adam Hagy/Getty Images)
In MLB, as it happens with virtually everything in life, having money helps.
It would be irresponsible to deny that.
However, and the reason why any of the 30 MLB franchises can be competitive during a specific period of time, money does not necessarily equal more World Series wins.
In many cases, it doesn’t even guarantee a spot in the postseason.
Just ask the 35-43 New York Mets, owners of the largest payroll in baseball.
In fact, FOX Sports MLB posted each division leader in baseball and where they rank in payroll.
The results of the exercise were pretty interesting.
Here’s a look at the payroll of 1st place teams as we approach the halfway point pic.twitter.com/nZjViCjbAf
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) June 26, 2023
Among division leaders in MLB, the highest payroll belongs to the Atlanta Braves (eighth) at just over $202 million.
That means the seven largest payrolls in baseball aren’t good enough to lead their division.
Then we have the Texas Rangers (ninth), the Minnesota Twins (17th), the Arizona Diamondbacks (21st), the Cincinnati Reds (25th), and the Tampa Bay Rays (28th).
That list was compiled before Monday’s results: now the Milwaukee Brewers lead the NL Central, but the principle still applies because they also have a low payroll.
What do these teams have in common?
They developed strong farm systems over the years and have graduated a lot of that talent in the last two years.
Really solid organizations build a good farm and spend on a free agent or two to strengthen their chances.
That should be the strategy of a competitive team.
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