Within the midst of one other comparatively low-cost offseason for the Washington Nationals, a improvement got here this week within the ongoing MASN case that would change the groups future. Based on Matt Weyrich of the Baltimore Solar, the Nationals filed a petition to uphold a earlier MLB committee ruling that acknowledged the Orioles wanted to offer the Nats a $320 million money infusion in rights charges.
This replace reinforces the issues the Nationals have had with TV rights through the years. The Orioles have dominated the Nats TV income for the reason that membership has come to DC, taking sources away from the staff. Whereas that has not essentially stopped the Nationals from signing huge title gamers prior to now, the Lerner household has been extra frugal since 2020.
Even when the scenario stays as it’s, the Nationals must spend extra. As of proper now, their payroll is projected to be beneath final season’s whole. This isn’t acceptable in a yr the place the staff is meant to begin climbing up the Nationwide League standings. Nonetheless, if the Nationals get the $320 million {dollars}, it might be the chance to place the Nationals again on a Championship degree path. Even when the settlement doesn’t work out, spending should enhance.
Washington, DC is a prime 10 media market within the nation. With a greater TV income scenario, it could be an outrage if the staff spent like a small market. DC is an enormous market. It won’t be New York, or Los Angeles, however it’s a main market in its personal proper and has proven it might have a sturdy fan base in baseball pre-2020 and in different sports activities with sturdy possession. Look no additional than the success of the Commanders and Capitals for examples of how profitable comes from the highest down when good administration and spending to win come collectively.
For the Nationals to compete within the NL East once more, they need to spend. With monetary powerhouses just like the Mets and Phillies, in addition to the well-oiled machine that’s the Atlanta Braves, it’s onerous to compete on this division. Within the NL East, you can’t moneyball your approach to playoff appearances like you possibly can within the AL Central. This can be a division filled with heavy hitters, and the Nationals ought to be considered one of them.
