In Major League Baseball, spending more does not always mean winning more. Teams such as the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees have invested hundreds of millions in their rosters, but their results in the season do not reflect that investment
The same goes for the Mets and Rangers, who also rank among the most expensive in the league.
The highest wage bills are far from the top
The Dodgers have one of the highest payrolls in MLB, with stars such as Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman. However, the team has faced a losing streak that keeps it away from first place in the West Division.
The Yankees, with figures such as Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, are also not leading the East Division. Despite their offensive power, inconsistency and injuries have affected their performance.
Mets and Rangers also disappoint
The Mets and Rangers have invested heavily in their rosters, but the results have not been as expected. The New York team, with Juan Soto as a star, has failed to establish itself as a contender. The Rangers, the current champions, have struggled to maintain their competitive edge.
Money doesn’t guarantee titles
The reality is clear: the most expensive payrolls are not in first place. Teams with more modest budgets, such as the Orioles, Brewers or Rays, have shown that success in MLB depends more on strategy, talent development and team chemistry than on the size of the budget.
The pressure of expectations
Teams with millionaire payrolls face constant pressure. Fans demand immediate results, and any slip-up becomes a crisis. In the case of the Dodgers and Yankees, the criticism has been intense, especially towards their managers and star players.
A paradigm shift in MLB?
The current season could be a turning point. If teams with lower payrolls manage to advance in the postseason, it will reinforce the idea that success in baseball does not depend exclusively on money. MLB remains a sport where planning, scouting and collective work can overcome any budget.
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