The MLB landscape in 2024 showcases a stark payroll disparity, with the New York Mets set to pay Juan Soto nearly $122 million in 2025, a sum that exceeds the entire 2024 Opening Day payrolls of 13 teams. This financial imbalance fuels fan frustration, particularly among supporters of teams like the Miami Marlins, who have historically operated with one of the lowest payrolls in the league. Despite a surprising playoff appearance in 2023, the Marlins traded key players like Luis Arraez and Jazz Chisholm Jr., leaving Sandy Alcantara as the only player earning over $3.5 million. The St. Louis Cardinals, accustomed to success, faced their first losing season since 2007 in 2023, with fans growing impatient as the team’s performance stagnates. Meanwhile, the Colorado Rockies, despite back-to-back 100-loss seasons, maintain solid attendance, perhaps due to the allure of Coors Field. The Chicago Cubs, despite a significant trade for Kyle Tucker, disappointed fans by trading Cody Bellinger, signaling a potential salary dump. The Pittsburgh Pirates, with a history of low spending, have seen six consecutive losing seasons, with fans expressing frustration over owner Bob Nutting’s reluctance to invest. The Toronto Blue Jays, after failing to land Juan Soto, made a modest trade for Andres Gimenez, leaving fans questioning the team’s direction. The Minnesota Twins, affected by local TV contract issues, have cut payroll, while the Chicago White Sox, after a record-setting 121 losses, traded away key players, leaving little hope for immediate improvement. The Seattle Mariners, despite consistent winning seasons, have not made significant moves to bolster their roster, frustrating fans further. Lastly, the Los Angeles Angels, with a decade of poor decisions, continue to disappoint, with their latest moves not inspiring confidence in a turnaround.
Source: https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/43062978/mlb-2024-10-most-frustrated-fan-bases-angels-mariners-cubs-cardinals
