Brewers Navigate the Challenges of Small Market Economics
Phoenix – Amidst the free agency frenzy that has seen $3.2 billion spent this winter, the Milwaukee Brewers have stood out for their frugal approach, making only one signing: Elvin Rodriguez for $900,000. This modest move reflects the financial realities of being a small market team.
Despite winning the NL Central in back-to-back years, the Brewers have opted to retain their core players rather than chase marquee free agents. This approach has been a source of frustration for some fans, who yearn for a World Series title.
"It’s enough to drown yourself in beer and stuff your face with cheese curds," said Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich, the team’s highest-paid player.
Internal Solutions
Instead of acquiring expensive free agents, the Brewers are looking to fill their roster with internal replacements. They have lost All-Star shortstop Willy Adames to the San Francisco Giants and traded All-Star closer Devin Williams to the New York Yankees. The replacements for these key players will come from the organization’s own ranks, with reliever Tyler McGill and youngsters Joey Ortiz and Brice Turang filling the void at shortstop.
"We’ve got some good young players," Yelich said. "We’re always relying on young players, trying to find a way."
Financial Constraints
Brewers owner Mark Attanasio insists that the team is struggling to break even, despite drawing over 2.5 million fans in the past two years. Their TV revenue is significantly lower than that of larger market teams like the Dodgers, who have a massive media contract.
"I don’t like to talk about us as a small market," Attanasio said. "We’ve certainly not played like a small market."
Attanasio maintains that his goal is to compete, but acknowledges the challenges of doing so without the financial resources of larger markets. He believes that sharing local TV revenue, like the NFL does, could create a more level playing field.
"If we can do something like that, the pie is bigger for everybody," Attanasio said.
Success Amidst Limitations
Despite their financial constraints, the Brewers have maintained a high level of success, winning four NL Central titles since 2017. They have executed a consistent strategy of developing and retaining their players, signing Yelich to a nine-year, $215 million contract in 2020 and rookie Jackson Chourio to an eight-year, $82 million deal last spring.
"I think one of the reasons for our success is that we set out on a way of operating that we have stuck to for 20 years," Attanasio said. "And we have not wavered."
Brewers GM Matt Arnold echoes this commitment to their unique approach.
"We recognize the challenges in the industry around the economics of the sport," Arnold said. "But we’re not going to make excuses about any of that. We have to do things a little bit differently here, and we embrace that."
The Future of Small Market Teams
The financial disparity between large and small market teams is an ongoing issue in Major League Baseball. Attanasio believes that a more equitable distribution of revenue could pave the way for greater success for small market teams.
"We just have to figure out how to do it," Attanasio said. "Is it actually possible that one other team would agree to share their local TV revenue? Sure, of course, anything’s possible."
Whether or not such a shift occurs remains to be seen, but the Brewers’ success amidst financial constraints serves as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of small market teams.
