(12-02-2016 02:27 PM)Brookes Owl Wrote:  

(12-02-2016 12:32 AM)stever20 Wrote:  Here's the problem they have. With Kershaw, Gonzalez, Ethier, McCarthy, Kazmir, Puig, Ryu, and Maeda they have a combined payroll already of 171.6 million dollars(along with all the dead money still on the books). They might be able to get down some, but what kind of team would they have?

No doubt 2017 is going to be a challenge. They're actually closer to $164MM (includes Maeda bonuses). Add another $16MM for arbitration eligible guys (MLB Trade Rumors numbers) gets to $180MM. Then another $20MM or so for 40 man roster benefits and minimum salary players. So $200MM-ish, leaving $35MM for free agents. Taking a second look, that means not only no Jansen but probably no Turner as well. Maybe a couple of smaller signings (Rich Hill?) and a trade to get a 2nd baseman (that won't add to payroll, presumably). But it's gonna be tight! I think 2018 will have a lot more room to move, and 2019 even more so as more guys drop off the books.