Part 10/11:
Conclusion: Striking a Balance for the Future
As the MLB gears up for CBA negotiations, the recent postseason performances and payroll disparities highlight the urgent need for a balanced approach. While high-spending teams like the Dodgers have demonstrated their ability to build formidable squads, the league’s competitive integrity depends on ensuring smaller-market teams can flourish too.
Implementing a salary floor, perhaps alongside a more structured cap system, could foster greater parity, more unpredictable outcomes, and sustained fan engagement across all markets. The future of baseball hinges on these critical decisions—decisions that will determine whether the sport continues to thrive as a game of both talent and fair competition.