In Major League Baseball, there are essentially two types of owners: those who are actively trying to win games and those who are more focused on squeezing as much profit out of their team as possible. This dichotomy between competitive ambition and financial gain is starkly evident in the way some teams are run.
The Case for Holding Owners Accountable
Recently, Nick Castellanos had a phenomenal take that has sparked much discussion. His point was simple but profound: MLB owners should face consequences for not actively trying to win games over an extended period. This idea is something I’ve explored in multiple videos, and it resonates with many fans who are frustrated by the lack of competitive drive in certain franchises.
While it’s important to acknowledge that implementing a policy to force owners to sell their teams if they aren’t competitive would be nearly impossible, it’s a concept worth considering. If owners were pressured to make their teams available for purchase after failing to invest in winning, we might see more competitive baseball across the league.
A Tale of Two Owners: Reinsdorf and Fisher
Take, for example, White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf and Athletics owner John Fisher. Both are multi-billionaires, yet they consistently rank near the bottom of the league in payroll. Despite their wealth, they seem more interested in maximizing their profits rather than investing in a winning team.
And yet, these same owners have the audacity to charge fans exorbitant prices for things like $14 Miller Lites. It’s a slap in the face to fans who want to see a winning team on the field. The contrast is striking when you consider that nothing is stopping their front offices from being more financially flexible, similar to what the Dodgers did with Shohei Ohtani’s contract and its deferred money.
Competing Without Deep Pockets
Now, I understand that not every team and market can compete with the financial might of the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, the key takeaway is that teams who are genuinely trying to win find ways to improve, even without the deepest pockets. Look at the Milwaukee Brewers, for instance. Their owner, Mark Attanasio, has a net worth of $700 million, which is modest by MLB standards. Yet, the Brewers have a 9.5-game lead in the NL Central, showcasing that it’s possible to be competitive with smart management and a willingness to invest strategically.
Timing is Everything
Teams that are serious about winning championships understand the importance of identifying their “winning window”—the period when they have the best chance to succeed. When that window opens, they invest heavily because they know it will eventually close. Teams like the Phillies and others who have committed to winning during their competitive windows are perfect examples of this philosophy.
Shoutout to John Middleton
And while we’re talking about owners who prioritize winning, shoutout to John Middleton of the Philadelphia Phillies. Middleton is an owner who truly cares about putting a superior product on the field and is committed to bringing a championship to his city. This is the type of ownership mentality that fans appreciate and that leads to long-term success.
Maybe One Day
The MLB landscape is split between owners who want to win and those who are content with merely turning a profit. While it’s unlikely that there will ever be a mechanism to force non-competitive owners to sell, there’s no denying that a more competitive league would be better for everyone involved—players, fans, and the sport as a whole. Until then, we’ll continue to celebrate the owners who are committed to winning and call out those who aren’t.
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