Braves: Cole Hamels effect on Josh Donaldson and roster construction
By Seth Carter
Revenue goes up, so shouldn’t the payroll?
In 2016 the Atlanta Braves grossed $262 million in revenue. In 2018 the revenue soared to $442 million. The move to SunTrust and the influx of young studs has created an urge for fans to show up and spend money.
Considering the Braves brought in $442 million in 2018, the revenue is probably going to be even higher in 2019, thus higher in 2020.
Let’s give them the benefit of the doubt and go with $440 million. We’ll give them $20 million (usually an overshoot) for minor league payroll and $15 million for 2020’s player benefits.
Now, let’s assume our 26-man roster will have an Opening Day budget of $150 million.
This is very complicated, so hang with me.
150 + 20 + 15 = 185/440
185/440 = 42%. payroll/revenue
Sorry to confuse you like that.
The MLBPA won’t like this number. The league average in 2018 was 54.2%. I’ve been really generous to the Braves with my approximations.
The MLBPA and Major League Baseball essentially have recommended that the Braves need to spend around $180 million on their Opening Day payroll, based on the revenue numbers.
In that case, it keeps the hope for Donaldson alive, but it is highly unlikely a team would boost it’s payroll $60 million between opening days.
If revenue continues to stay in the $400-million range, there might be some pressure to bring that payroll up in the future.
Considering the young talent and the window of opportunity, I agree with Greg Maffei, let’s spend some money now… and the Mets suck!
I seriously doubt we are going to see the Braves go out and sign Josh Donaldson in addition to the Hamels deal. However, it is not out of the realm of possibility.
So let’s play around with the numbers a little and see what will be possible with Hamels now planted firmly in the rotation.