If I had to pick one number that sums up the state of the Pirate franchise, it would be 35. In 2017, the Pirates spent only 35 percent of team revenue on payroll, fifth lowest in the league. But while three of the four teams below them each committed more than $100 million to free agent spending this offseason — the Brewers ($105m), the Phillies ($169m), and the Padres ($150m) — the Pirates spent only $4 million. Not surprisingly, the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) recently filed a grievance against Pittsburgh for their lack of spending.
Financial State of the Central, Pt. 3: Pirates Going Cheap Under Veil of Rebuild
