Arizona Diamondbacks 2015 Payroll Won’t Exceed $100 Million

Last years terrible attendance and an expiring TV deal are conspiring to affect the Arizona Diamondbacks payroll in 2015.  After a season where the Diamondbacks lost nearly 100 games, the revenue projections for 2015 can’t be good.  So in order to keep the team in the black, Diamondbacks CEO Derrick Hall believes the payroll for 2015 in not likely to exceed $100 million. 

"“$90 million is probably a number that makes a lot of sense right now,” said Hall. We’ve got a little bit to play with, but we’ll have to get creative. For us to do things, probably have to move a player or two here or there.”"

Figuring the Diamondbacks payroll number is complicated.  Not only do the Arizona Diamondbacks have declining revenue to deal with they also have to deal with the increased cost of drafting 1st in this years draft. 

"‘It’s not only number one overall but number one in each round,” Hall said. “As that budget has gone up, I’ve got to shave a little off of major league payroll."

The team’s revenue will get a boost in 2016 when the team new TV contract takes hold.  Although not finalized yet the new contract from Fox Sports Arizona figures to be in the $90 million range. 

The payroll reduction reduces the likelihood that the Arizona Diamondbacks will make a play for any of the big free agent names on the market.  Pitchers like Max Scherzer, James Shields or hitters like Victor Martinez are most likely out of the question for the D-backs.

Unless of course a trades(s) can be made to provide some space in the payroll for the Diamondbacks to make a major acquisition. 

The team began the process of clearing some payroll with the trades of Gerardo Parra and Brandon McCarthy last season but there are a few more bloated contracts that could be moved.

With a new general manager in place it’s likely the Arizona Diamondbacks will be involved in trade talks early this off-season to make space for some free agent acquisitions. Overall, it looks like it could be an interesting off-season for the Diamondbacks