The Giants are trying to trim payroll to avoid paying luxury taxes, and they aren’t alone. Several other traditionally large payroll teams, notably the Yankees and Dodgers, are cutting back for the same reason.
While fans root for major upgrades from last year’s 98-loss team, the Giants continue to conduct business with the $197 million luxury tax threshold in mind, citing the long-term benefits to keep the payroll below the threshold for the first time in four years.
But a renowned player agent suggested in a Chronicle interview that fans who have packed AT&T Park deserve more from a team with immense resources.