Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year, we ask questions of the most plugged-in Kansas City Royals fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
Earlier this week, we asked Royals fans whether the Dodgers’ excessive spending or the Royals’ lack of spending was representative of the larger problem in MLB. Royals fans responded, “Why not both?”
This, of course, represents an ask for socialism in baseball, as taking from each team according to its ability and giving to each team according to its need is pretty much the socialist manifesto. Ya bunch of commies!
Anyway, unsurprisingly, nearly a third of respondents felt that the Dodgers’ ability to outspend just about everyone was a greater issue than the Royals’ unwillingness to spend a little bit more. Though I was amused that 7% of respondents appear to be true capitalists, willing to accept that their team would likely never be able to spend as much as their opponents due to market inequities that can likely never be truly remediated, barring outside intervention.
The next opportunity for MLB to implement a salary cap and/or floor will occur when the current collective bargaining agreement expires at the end of next season. Many are preparing to endure a potential lockout in 2027 as owners and players seem as far away over key issues as they have been in decades.