3 Teams Challenging MLB’s Luxury Tax Limits

Oh, how high can the biggest go? Every fan thinks this when looking at the payroll of some of the biggest MLB franchises. Be it the deep-pocketed New York Mets or the billion-dollar-spending Los Angeles Dodgers. While taxation thresholds are in place to promote fair competition, three teams have already crossed that point and it’s not even January!

As it’s still early, these numbers will change eventually. We might even see some of these teams with high payrolls below the threshold of $237 million. At the same time, there can be other teams who go higher. But as of now, it’s these three clubs that are the highest spenders in the league.

Los Angeles Dodgers – $238 million

The least surprising name in this list. The Los Angeles Dodgers have turned this offseason into one that will forever be mentioned in history books. By signing superstars like Shohei Ohtani for $700 million and Yoshinobu Yamamoto for $325 million, the Blue Crew have done the unthinkable. As of now, the Dodgers account for almost 50% of the offseason business. 

Due to Ohtani deferring much of his contract, his AAV was reduced to $46 million, which has benefited the Dodgers. But according to Spotrac even then they’ve crossed the $237 million threshold, with their current payroll at $238 million. With the offseason still left, it’ll be interesting if the Boys in Blue add more players to their team or not.

New York Mets – $241 million

The New York Mets have been silent this offseason. But it seems the chickens have come home to roost for the Amazin’ Mets. Last season, the Mets created history by having the largest payroll the sport had ever seen. At the same time, their on-field results went for a toss. Now the franchise is trying to regroup and treating this year as a transition.

Watch This Story: After Signing A Staggering $700 Million Deal With The Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani Becomes The Most Eligible Pursuit For Tyler Glasnow

Still, owing to their extraordinarily high payroll last year, without even spending anything the Mets’s payroll is already at $241 million, $4 million more than the threshold. With the team paying players like Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander more than $40 million just to play elsewhere, the costs have skyrocketed.

The Atlanta Braves – $242 million

The Atlanta Braves have been following a unique strategy for some time now. With the team looking to extend most of its players to long-term contracts, their payroll has consistently grown. While it was expected that they’d be spending more this year, the way Atlanta went about it was surprising.

Currently, the Braves have a payroll of $242 million, the highest in the league. Though it could be reduced by the time things settle with the team focusing more on trades, just how low or high it can go is hard to predict.

With three teams already above the threshold, how many more will follow?

Read more: Yoshinobu Yamamoto Reveals How Shohei Ohtani’s Selfless Act Resonated With His Competitive Spirit Amidst Free Agency Negotiations