Some of the biggest and richest MLB teams have made quite a splash this season. However, one thing that stays in common between all the teams is their need to fill certain rotation spots, without which they could not head into the 2024 games. While the biggest clubhouses of the sport—the New York Yankees, the New York Mets, the Atlanta Braves, and the Philadelphia Phillies—may have a payroll that has already started to look weighty enough before 2024 even rolled in full throttle—where should they primarily focus those expenses?
This inquiry delves into the strategic moves and roster adjustments these teams may be seeking to further enhance their competitive edge within the league.
Payroll vs. Pre-requisites: A decades-old MLB conundrum for the Yankees and the Mets
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The first and wealthiest of the lot, the Yankees, are a $7.1 billion team with a projected payroll of $279 million for next year, according to FanGraphs. They still have an extra $11 million to reach the luxury tax threshold estimated for the season, which they can focus on clinching based on what they still need to cover.
According to Yardbarker, the Pinstripes currently need to focus on clinching a starting pitcher and a relief pitcher. With Giancarlo Stanton still struggling with his form, they have to lock down a significant outfielder as well. It looks like the Pinstripes have a bit too many holes to cover if they want to go against the Mets, who have a comparatively stronger lineup as of now.
The $2.9 billion Mets might have an estimated $284 million for next season, with $13 million more held above their head for competitive tax thresholds, but they are so high up for a reason. The source reports that the team is currently in need of a designated hitter, a starting pitcher, and a reliever.
However, having quite a good lineup filled with youngsters lets the team have hopes of heading into the next season’s games without too many worries in their minds, unlike the Phillies.
Watch This Story: Glimpse Of Attention-Grabbing MLB Feats, Including Shohei Ohtani’s Ground-Breaking Deal
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What does the Phillies’ and Braves’ future look like right now?
The Phillies are a $2.5 billion team with a projected payroll of $237 million for the upcoming season, with $15 million still in hand to reach the estimated competitive tax threshold. The same source says they still need to fill the first baseman, starting pitching, and relieve pitching rotations that need immediate attention. Much like the Braves, who have a pretty shaky bullpen to begin with.
With an estimated payroll of $240 million and with $35 million projected in their luxury taxes, the $2.5 billion team of the Braves looks pretty bleak as of now. Their need for a reliever is transparent, with Joe Jimenez in their hands and Jesse Chavez choosing free agency. They let go of Kyle Wright from their starting pitching rotation, leaving a gaping vacancy there.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
To sum up, the big four of the lot mainly need to focus their resources primarily on starting pitchers, with hitters and relievers closely following suit. Whether you think they will be able to fix all the posts or not, let us know in the comments below!