Part 2/9:
One consistent theme across the conversations is the acknowledgment of budget constraints. The Yankees, for instance, finished their last season with a payroll of approximately $304 million and have an estimated $240 million committed through 2026. This leaves roughly $70 million available for signings and trades, assuming they aim to sustain a similar payroll level. The consensus is that overspending—adding hundreds of millions beyond current commitments—is neither practical nor sustainable, especially considering the broader economic landscape of baseball.