Atlanta Braves Looking to Buy Draft Picks? Where is this Money Coming From?

2 of 3

Sep 5, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators hold up a money down sign on the sidelines on third down against the New Mexico State Aggies during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Where’s The Money?

More from Tomahawk Take

Atlanta is known to be cutting back on payroll this season, ostensibly for the purpose of ‘going big’ in the International (J2) market this July. But that total payroll ended up being close to $95 million – despite an “active” payroll of only $67,750,000 for Opening Day. While the total team budget is not known, it is estimated to be in the area of $120 million.

However, the Braves also need extra funds this season to spend in both the Draft and J2 markets… $17,151,200 total at the moment… and that’s before the anticipated 100% penalties that are expected to add up strongly on the J2 side. Spending there could easily hit a total of $20 million or more, meaning that the club would have to set aside at least $32 million to cover both bonus pools categories.

So add that $32 million and the $95 million major league payroll expenditures… that’s $127 million (if our guesses are correct… or even close).

But now Atlanta is apparently talking about the idea of taking on a ‘bad’ contract or two for the privilege of getting new draft picks… which in turn carry the rights to spend even more money. From the discussion above, such a contract would require the expenditure of probably another $10 million against the major league payroll.

Where does all that cash come from?

Next: Follow... no, FIND the Money!

Home/Braves News