Which MLB Team Has The Highest 2024 Payrolls? Yankees Sitting High On The list
The only major professional sport in America or Canada without a pay cap is Major League Baseball. As of February 2024, the average total payroll across all MLB teams in 2024 is $147,201,099.
Which MLB Team Has The Highest 2024 Payrolls? Yankees Sitting High On The list
Arguments for and against the pay ceiling are up for debate. The idea of a pay floor or ceiling has always been rejected by the Major League Baseball Players Association.
Baseball players are more at ease with the wage structure being determined by player results and market trends.
19 MLB clubs are projected to start the 2024 season with lower payrolls than last year.
Spring training has begun with several stars left unsigned—sparking tension between teams, players, agents, and the MLBPA.
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) February 26, 2024
MLB Teams With Highest Payrolls in 2024
| RANK | TEAM | TOTAL PAYROLL |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yankees | $290,541,666 |
| 2 | Mets | $283,801,859 |
| 3 | Astros | $237,303,141 |
| 4 | Phillies | $237,182,617 |
| 5 | Blue Jays | $222,601,784 |
| 6 | Braves | $221,315,000 |
| 7 | Rangers | $215,710,000 |
| 8 | Dodgers | $209,121,666 |
| 9 | Cubs | $187,980,000 |
| 10 | Cardinals | $162,301,667 |
| 11 | Red Sox | $158,058,181 |
| 12 | Angels | $156,918,094 |
| 13 | Padres | $144,995,453 |
| 14 | Giants | $144,288,333 |
| 15 | Rockies | $131,385,000 |
| 16 | Diamondbacks | $130,771,716 |
| 17 | White Sox | $124,673,333 |
| 18 | Mariners | $124,158,333 |
| 19 | Twins | $112,353,690 |
| 20 | Royals | $105,119,570 |
| 21 | Tigers | $92,813,333 |
| 22 | Orioles | $92,778,668 |
| 23 | Nationals | $90,171,429 |
| 24 | Brewers | $88,984,960 |
| 25 | Rays | $86,958,712 |
| 26 | Reds | $84,648,333 |
| 27 | Guardians | $84,433,928 |
| 28 | Marlins | $81,535,000 |
| 29 | Pirates | $67,602,500 |
| 30 | Athletics | $45,525,000 |
As players approach their final year of eligibility prior to becoming free agents, some organizations decide to trade them.
MLB owners are able to set their own compensation scale for their team based on what suits their financial situation and degree of comfort.
A troubling update for Chicago Cubs fans hoping to see Cody Bellinger back with the team in 2024. The #Cubs owner provided an update on the team's payroll and Bellinger's possible return to Chicago. #MLB https://t.co/hCTAIrQlIl
— Sportsnaut (@Sportsnaut) February 20, 2024
Fans find it extremely aggravating that certain owners and ownership groups have shown a conservative approach to paying salaries.
On the other hand, certain ownership groups and owners have shown that they create rosters with little to no consideration for player salaries.
1. Yankees
The Yankees now have a larger payroll than the Mets before the 2024 campaign, thanks to Juan Soto’s offseason signing. Along with Aaron Judge ($40,000,000), Gerrit Cole ($36,000,000), and Giancarlo Stanton ($32,000,000), Soto is one of four players earning at least $31,000,000 this season.
Hal Steinbrenner, in his words “embarrassed” by last season’s record, did not rule out making additions to the Yankees' 2024 payroll | @eboland11 https://t.co/NkWRYPcgPa
— Newsday Sports (@NewsdaySports) February 22, 2024
The Yankees believe a larger payroll will increase their chances of making the MLB playoffs in a competitive AL East division after missing out on the postseason the previous year.
2. Mets
Prior to Soto joining their rival team across town, the Mets had the largest payroll in 2023 and held that position for the most of the previous offseason. After a 75-87 season, New York is still a long shot in MLB odds despite the financial commitment.
I’ll be absolutely shocked if it happens but the Mets could do similar deal with Montgomery given Senga is their only pitcher signed past 2024.
But I’m extremely doubtful Mets do it given their desire to hold their payroll where it is cuz of luxury tax penalties and not… https://t.co/zhlFv7KQlS
— Jackie (@JJFan18) February 26, 2024
30. Athletics
For the second consecutive year, the Oakland Athletics had the lowest payroll in the league. The fact that the club is getting ready to relocate to Las Vegas in 2028 isn’t entirely attributable to its Moneyball past. But according to recent rumors, the move is not a certain, thus the story is far from done.
Oakland will stay close to the bottom of my MLB power rankings, relocate to Las Vegas or not.
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