Over the past year, San Diego, New York Mets, and Los Angeles Angels have all reduced their payroll, cutting by $96 million, $50 million, and $49 million respectively, among nine teams that decreased spending in a lukewarm free-agent market that led to player dissatisfaction.
According to a study by The Associated Press, the average salary rose by 1.5% to $4.98 million on opening day, compared to an 11.1% increase last year to $4.91 million, and a 6% rise in 2022 after the spring training lockout.\
Other teams that reduced payroll included the Chicago White Sox ($47 million), Colorado ($33 million), Minnesota ($32 million), Detroit ($20 million), Boston ($15 million), and Milwaukee ($12 million).
Despite this, several top free agents, such as Blake Snell and Cody Bellinger, remained unsigned into spring training and settled for shorter-term deals than expected.
Toronto pitcher Chris Bassitt, representing his team’s players, expressed concern over the situation, especially noting the absence of signings for reigning Cy Young winners and other talented players.
Last year saw the largest percentage increase in salaries since 2001, a positive development for players following sluggish free-agent markets, pandemic challenges, and a labor deal in March 2022.
During this year’s spring training, there was an unsuccessful attempt by some players to remove union negotiator Bruce Meyer.
Teams that saw significant payroll increases since last year included Houston ($44 million), Chicago Cubs ($38 million), Baltimore ($33 million), and Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees (both $28 million).
The Mets topped payrolls for the second consecutive season at $306 million, followed by the Yankees ($303 million), Dodgers ($250 million), Philadelphia ($243 million), and Houston ($237 million).
Commissioner Rob Manfred attributed the fluctuations in the market to cyclical trends and teams’ cautious approach due to uncertain revenue from regional sports networks.
The players’ association stated they were not yet in a position to comment as they hadn’t completed their calculations.
The Mets’ payroll includes $70 million to cover portions of salaries of three traded players, more than the entire payroll of some teams.
The Dodgers’ payroll would be higher if not for deferred money. Shohei Ohtani’s salary, for instance, includes a significant portion that won’t be paid until 2034, affecting present-day calculations.
The Mets’ end-of-season payroll is expected to rise, considering certain players’ salaries not initially factored in.
Overall, the average and median salaries in Major League Baseball remain subject to change throughout the season, influenced by player movements and team decisions.
