(Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
Having a big payroll in MLB does not necessarily mean automatic success.
Of course, it helps a lot because great players earn big contracts, but there is so much more than paying free agents behind a truly successful and sustainable organization.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at how two franchises with a top-five payroll in the league are struggling at the moment.
“The San Diego #Padres lose at home to the #Royals, 5-4. They are now 20-23, the same record as the NY #Mets. So the team with the largest payroll and the third-biggest payroll team are each 20-23, neither who would be in the playoffs if the season ended today,” MLB insider Bob Nightengale tweeted.
The San Diego #Padres lose at home to the #Royals, 5-4.
They are now 20-23, the same record as the NY #Mets.
So the team with the largest payroll and the third-biggest payroll team are each 20-23, neither who would be in the playoffs if the season ended today.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) May 17, 2023
It hasn’t been an easy season for the Mets and the Padres.
They have struggled through the first 43 games, and if the season ended today, they would be both out of the playoff party.
Fortunately for them, the season doesn’t end today and there is a reason for that.
A full MLB campaign is 162 games long.
It is that way to somewhat eliminate the luck and randomness factor associated with small samples, to give time for teams to get healthy and show their potential, and to have a better idea of who has a talented, deep roster.
Many teams can win five straight, for example, but not everyone can win, say, 95 games over the long run.
When everything is said and done, both the Mets and the Padres should be able to rebound and at least compete for a place in the postseason.
Will they make it?
It would be seen as a failure if they don’t, but in any case, they won’t remain this bad for long.
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