Five. That’s the number of MLB teams who spent more than the Kansas City Royals in free agency this past winter. The 106-loss Royals gave out 20 contracts, totaling $110,475,000. It all came together in a huge success, culminating in a Wild Card playoff berth. It was just the team’s third playoff appearance this century and it makes you wonder why ownership shouldn’t spend more money every year. At least, it should, until you have a little more context.
Spending is up in Major League Baseball. At the same time, many teams have no clue right now how fans will watch their baseball games in 2025.