The Milwaukee Brewers are a small market team. As such, they will never have the payroll capabilities of larger markets such as the New York Yankees, Los Angles Dodgers, and Chicago Cubs. However, the blue collar Milwaukee fanbase has always made sure that the team ranks among Major League Baseball’s top ten in attendance. While going to games at American Family Field are relatively affordable compared to other parks, it is still quite the financial commitment for fans to go to games.
That is what makes the current news surrounding Corbin Burnes and his arbitration hearing so frustrating for fans. If we, the fans, can spend hundreds of dollars on tickets, parking, and concessions, why is it so difficult for the organization to open up their pockets to pay star players?
The Milwaukee Brewers Payroll and Revenue Numbers Will Enrage Fans
According to Spotrac, the Brewers have a total payroll of $105,644,960. This ranks them 19th in all of baseball. The New York Mets have the league’s highest total payroll with $330,643,332. Each of the league’s top five payrolls (Mets, New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, Philadelphia Phillies, and Los Angeles Dodgers) have payrolls that more than double that of the Brewers.
But that is neither here nor there. As mentioned, as a small market team, the Brewers will never have payrolls to rival those of the big markets. Here are two facts about this year’s finances, though, that will enrage fans:
The Brewers Are Spending Less Money In 2023 Than In 2022
Despite multiple players getting raises (11 players were eligible for arbitration, and only Burnes went to a hearing), the 2023 Milwaukee Brewers will be spending less money in 2023 than they did in 2022 (when they missed the playoffs). Last year, Milwaukee ended up spending $130,769,325. In other words, this year’s team is costing Mark Attanasio $25 million less than last year’s team.
And they went to arbitration with Burnes over $740,000…
The Brewers Would Not Need to Sell a Single Ticket to Make Enough Money for Payroll
As many fans may know, there is a revenue sharing program in baseball. Tbonebaseball explains much clearer than I could:
“Each team pools 48% of its revenue and distributes the rest evenly (33.3% of the revenue) to each member. Teams receive more than $110 million in revenue sharing as a result of this program.”
Therefore, Brewers fans, the organization will make $5 million MORE than it needs to cover this season’s payroll from the revenue sharing program ALONE! Of course, there are other costs that are not figured into the payroll, such as other team employees and such. However, for the team to “plead poor” is just absolute nonsense.
The Christian Yelich contract is not why the front office “can’t” spend money on free agents. They simply do not want to.
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FAQs
How to Watch the Milwaukee Brewers Without Cable?
DirectTV Stream will give local viewers access to watch the Brewers, regardless of the channel they are playing on, Bally Sports Wisconsin, ESPN, Fox, Fox Sports 1, and TBS. fuboTV will also give viewers access to all Brewers games, except those on TBS.
Out-of-market fans can use MLB.TV to enjoy Brewers baseball from afar.
When Did the Brewers Come to Milwaukee?
The Brewers were founded in 1969 as the Seattle Pilots as part of the American League (AL). After one season, the team relocated to Milwaukee. The Brewers joined the National League (NL) in 1998.
How Did the Brewers Get Their Name?
The Brewers’ name dates back to the early 1900s, originally held by a professional franchise that relocated to become the St.Louis Browns. It honors the beer-brewing industry in and around Milwaukee.
Will the Brewers Win the 2023 World Series?
Sportsbooks have the Brewers at 4000-1 to win the World Series. This is the 14th-best odds among MLB teams. It’s not impossible with players like Christian Yelich, but the odds aren’t in their favor.
