The New York Yankees continue to exemplify the financial clout of Major League Baseball’s elite, outpacing smaller-market teams like the Chicago Cubs. Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner has committed to a win-now approach, solidifying the team’s position as perennial contenders with high-profile acquisitions. However, this strategy underscores the growing economic disparity within MLB, a reality Cubs owner Tom Ricketts openly acknowledged during a recent interview on 670 The Score’s “Inside the Clubhouse.”

Ricketts described the challenges of competing with franchises like the Yankees, Dodgers, and Mets, whose spending power far exceeds that of smaller-market teams. “The business model in baseball has worked well for a long time, but certain aspects are out of balance,” Ricketts said. “Fans ask why we don’t spend like the Yankees or Dodgers, but our goal is to break even annually. That’s the reality we operate in.”

Despite holding MLB’s seventh-highest payroll in 2024 at $229 million, the Cubs trailed the Yankees’ $308 million and the Mets’ $314 million, underscoring the financial gap Ricketts referenced.

Yankees dominate with big-money moves

Yankees
The Yankees’ aggressive offseason spending has further widened the gap. They bolstered their roster by signing ace Max Fried to an eight-year, $218 million deal, trading for Cody Bellinger, and acquiring Paul Goldschmidt on a one-year contract. These moves came after losing star outfielder Juan Soto, who signed a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million deal with the New York Mets.

Despite Soto’s departure, the Yankees remain committed to maintaining their offensive firepower. Their 2025 payroll commitments, estimated at $273.3 million according to Spotrac, keep them among the league’s top spenders. By contrast, the Dodgers’ luxury-tax payroll is expected to exceed $375 million, showing the escalating financial competition in the league.

How the Yankees’ payroll impacts the Cubs

The Yankees’ spending spree poses a direct challenge to teams like the Cubs, who rely on sustainable spending to compete. While the Cubs made a notable move by trading for star outfielder Kyle Tucker, their financial strategy pales in comparison to the Yankees’ ability to absorb luxury-tax penalties and pursue marquee talent.

Ricketts emphasized that the Cubs’ focus is on consistent postseason contention rather than headline-grabbing signings. “The way to win the World Series is to make the playoffs consistently,” Ricketts said. “If you’re in the playoffs often enough, you’ll eventually have a chance.”

Yankees seek further offensive upgrades

To fill the void left by Soto, the Yankees are exploring options to strengthen their lineup. Among their targets is free-agent infielder Alex Bregman, whose .260/.315/.453 slash line with 26 home runs and 75 RBIs in 2024 makes him a valuable addition. Signing Bregman would involve forfeiting draft picks due to a qualifying offer, adding complexity to the decision.

Alternatively, the Yankees may pursue versatile infielder Brendan Donovan of the Cardinals. Donovan’s ability to play multiple positions and his .278/.342/.417 slash line with 14 home runs in 2024 make him a compelling trade candidate. However, acquiring Donovan would likely require a substantial prospect package.

With key players like Aaron Judge and Gerrit Cole in their prime, the Yankees are firmly in win-now mode. Their financial commitment reflects a strategy to dominate the league through strategic acquisitions and a willingness to spend aggressively. Meanwhile, teams like the Cubs must navigate a different reality, focusing on sustainability and development to remain competitive.

As MLB’s financial disparity widens, the Yankees’ spending power remains a dominant force, setting the tone for a league increasingly defined by its economic imbalance.