Arte Moreno, the owner of the Angels, recently addressed some pressing issues surrounding the team, particularly focusing on their payroll and the uncertain broadcast situation. These two elements are closely linked, as the Angels, along with eight other teams, recently ended their broadcast deals with Main Street Sports due to financial troubles. While six teams have shifted to having their broadcasts managed by Major League Baseball, the Angels are still weighing their options.
Moreno hinted at a resolution soon, noting that while joining MLB’s broadcast setup could simplify things, it would also mean a significant cut in revenue-about 50% less than previous deals, according to MLB.com’s Travis Sawchik. This financial hit has led some teams, including the Angels, to trim their player payroll.
This year, the Angels’ payroll is estimated at $180.5 million, a drop from last season’s $206 million. One major financial move was buying out Anthony Rendon’s contract, spreading his $38 million salary over five years.
Under Moreno’s ownership, the Angels have seen their share of big signings that haven’t delivered. Now, Moreno is shifting focus to nurturing young talent instead of chasing high-priced free agents. He questioned the impact of expensive signings, suggesting that a few costly players don’t necessarily translate to success on the field.
Despite the current reduced budget, Moreno hasn’t ruled out returning to a $200 million payroll, contingent on resolving the broadcast situation and improving the team’s brand. Reflecting on his tenure since buying the team in 2003, Moreno noted the stark contrast between the first half, which included multiple winning seasons and division titles, and the last decade, marked by consistent losing records.
Moreno faces the challenge of rebuilding the team while managing financial constraints. He cited fan surveys indicating that affordability and a positive ballpark experience are top priorities for fans, more so than a winning record. However, this perspective might not sit well with fans eager for a competitive team.
Looking ahead, Moreno expressed confidence in the team’s potential for the upcoming season, particularly highlighting improvements in pitching. He acknowledged the pressure on GM Perry Minasian, who is entering a pivotal year with the team yet to post a winning record under his leadership. Moreno also made it clear that despite past considerations, he has no plans to sell the team, reaffirming his passion for ownership.
As the Angels navigate these challenges, the focus remains on balancing financial realities with the pursuit of a winning team.