Deferred money deals are becoming the newest weapon for Major League Baseball’s richest teams — and it’s leaving clubs like the Brewers even further behind.
Of the roughly $1.5 billion in deferred money across active contracts, the Los Angeles Dodgers account for $1.04 billion of the total. By comparison, the Brewers owe just $11.75 million in deferred payments in 2025.
Deferrals allow wealthy franchises to sign superstars without blowing up their current payrolls. Teams like the Dodgers and Mets spread payments over decades, while benefiting from the talent immediately. This is a huge competitive edge.
The Brewers already operate with the 23rd-highest payroll — about one-third of the Mets’, who sit atop the rankings, just above the Dodgers. Milwaukee stays competitive through good development, but they’re constantly outbid for top players.
If the MLB wants to maintain competitive balance, it can’t ignore how deferred money is used. Without changes, small-market teams will continue to fall further behind — not because of baseball abilities, but because of financial limitations.
Ethan Wick
Appleton
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This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: LETTERS: Appleton reader questions Brewers’ payroll, and how it compares to Dodgers’, others
Reporting by Appleton Post-Crescent / Appleton Post-Crescent
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