In Major League Baseball, the conversation always seems to come back to money at some point - how much a team spends and the assumption that it directly translates to success on the field. Sure, it is true that the big spenders can sometimes buy their way to October, but payroll alone has never been a guarantee of playoff wins or a championship. Take the Minnesota Twins, for example. We've never been mistaken for a big-market, free-spending team (sarcastic hat tip to the Pohlads), yet the Twins have found ways to win without writing massive checks. Not this year, of course, but in 2025, a few other clubs are proving you don't need to drain the bank to stay relevant.
Which teams are punching above their "pay grade," and which are falling flat despite the cash they've burned? Here's a look at the payroll rankings (with the help of Spotrac.com) as of August 25, and whether money really bought results.
Current Total MLB Payroll Rankings - August 2025
1. Los Angeles Dodgers
Current Total Payroll: $341,100,164
2025 Record: 74-57 (T-1st in NL West, 6th in MLB)
Having the Dodgers at the top of the list in 2025 likely shocks no one. While they've been in a bit of a downturn since mid-July, with one insider saying that something doesn't seem right with the team. LA is far from out of the postseason mix, but as defending champs and a payroll over $340M, anything short of another deep postseason run feels like underachieving.
2. New York Mets
Current Total Payroll: $339,465,603
2025 Record: 69-61 (2nd in NL East, 12th in MLB)
The New York Mets once again sit near the top of the payroll charts—landing in the top five in five of the past six seasons (the lone exception being 2020). And yet, for all that spending, the Mets’ best divisional finish in that stretch is 2nd place, with two playoff appearances to show for it: 2022 and 2024. This year, sitting mid-pack in their division doesn't appear to be a good deal for the price.
3. New York Yankees
Current Total Payroll: $298,014,949
2025 Record: 70-60 (3rd in AL East,10th in MLB)
NYY has experienced several key injuries to many players, including pitchers Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt, losing both to the dreaded Tommy John surgery. While still considered all but a lock to make the postseason (currently 2nd in the WC standings), the payroll expectations aren't being met, and New York City doesn't accept underperformance for long.
4. Philadelphia Phillies
Current Total Payroll: $287,923,009
2025 Record: 76-54 (1st in NL East, 3rd in MLB)
High spending for the Phillies is matching their results so far in 2025. Currently sitting in first place in the NL East, this high-powered lineup looks every bit worth the investment...so far.
5. Toronto Blue Jays
Current Total Payroll: $252,274,222
2025 Record: 76-55 (1st in AL East, 5th in MLB)
The Blue Jays are proof that clubs don't have to spend heavily to improve. Yes, they are up over $30M in payroll from 2024, but they have also surpassed 2024's win total with a month left to play. They currently hold a 5.0 game lead over the 2nd place Red Sox with no signs of falling off anytime soon.
6. Houston Astros
Current Total Payroll: $230,903,386
2025 Record: 72-59 (1st in AL West, 8th in MLB)
Down slightly from last year, the Astros always seem to be hanging around. After re-adding Carlos Correa at the trade deadline in a shocking move from the Twins, Houston has stretched their divisional lead to 2.0 games, but is 4-6 in their last 10 games. Mercifully for Houston, the trailing Mariners aren't faring any better at the moment.
7. Texas Rangers
Current Total Payroll: $223,196,134
2025 Record: 66-66 (3rd in AL West, 15th in MLB)
Texas appears to be treading water at the moment. They're playing .500 ball, up from last year's .481 pace, yet they find themselves in 3rd place in their division. Again. It does bear mentioning that the Rangers are only 4.5 games out of the last Wild Card spot, so the postseason is still a possibility.
8. San Diego Padres
Current Total Payroll: $215,468,208
2025 Record: 74-57 (T-1st in NL West, 7th in MLB)
Often overshadowed by the Dodgers in the NL West, the Padres are showing they can contend with the best without breaking the bank. Despite spending over $100M less than LAD, the Padres are currently tied for 1st in their division, but the Dodgers own the tiebreaker. So far, their investments in Fernando Tatis, Jr., Manny Machado, Gavin Sheets, and Louis Arraez have paid off. Can they hang on against bigger spenders?
9. Atlanta Braves
Current Total Payroll: $215,004,105
2025 Record: 59-71 (4th in NL East, 26th in MLB)
The big-market spending coming out of Atlanta has not translated into success in 2025 for the Braves. While their roster from 2024 to 2025 didn't change all that much, injuries and inconsistent play has hampered any repeat success from last year. The return on investment for the 2025 campaign hasn't been up to par.
10. Chicago Cubs
Current Total Payroll: $210,823,942
2025 Record: 76-55 (2nd in NL Central, 5th in MLB)
Currently on pace to win 93 games this year, the Cubs are in 1st place in the NL Wild Card and are just seven wins shy of matching last year's win total. Considering the Cubs reduced payroll by over $20M from 2024, their current payroll investment has certainly paid some dividends.
11. Los Angeles Angels
Current Total Payroll: $205,049,035
2025 Record: 61-69 (4th in AL West, 22nd in MLB)
Despite spending above the league average ($172,685,344) the past three seasons, the Angels have hovered below .500, a poor return on investment. With Mike Trout often sidelined and manager Ron Washington out indefinitely, they appear headed for another disappointing year.
12. Boston Red Sox
Current Total Payroll: $196,822,243
2025 Record: 71-60 (2nd in AL East, 9th in MLB)
While remaining competitive this year, the Red Sox are good, but not great, for their current payroll level. Guilty of playing sloppy baseball earlier in the season and, at times, playing without heart, the Red Sox still own the top spot in the Wild Card, showing that the money spent may have been worth it.
13. Arizona Diamondbacks
Current Total Payroll: $176,520,380
2025 Record: 64-67 (3rd in NL West, 17th in MLB)
After spending a franchise record on payroll in 2024, the D-Backs saw a slight reduction (approximately $2M) but haven't seen the same results as before. Poor pitching and defense have been chiefly to blame in 2025. Currently, Arizona is on the outside looking in for the Wild Card race and looking up at both the Padres and the Dodgers in their division.
14. San Francisco Giants
Current Total Payroll: $174,199,652
2025 Record: 63-68 (4th in NL West, 20th in MLB)
San Francisco's offense has struggled most of the season. In the middle of June, when they shelled out for Rafael Devers, they were 10 games over .500. Now, with a month left to go in the season, the Giants are 11.0 games back in their division and appear to be going nowhere fast.
15. Seattle Mariners
Current Total Payroll: $161,398,131
2025 Record: 70-61 (2nd in AL West, 11th in MLB)
Seattle has been steadily climbing the payroll ranks over the last few years: 2024 - 16th, 2023 - 18th, 2022 - 22nd, 2021 - 24th. With the MVP-caliber season Cal Raleigh is having, expect to see them increase spending again. If they're able to keep their key pieces in place (Julio Rodriguez, Raleigh, etc.), 2025 is already showing it will be money well spent as their cornerstone players continue to improve.
16. Detroit Tigers
Current Total Payroll: $156,676,992
2025 Record: 78-54 (1st in AL Central, 2nd in MLB)
Spending below the league average but leading your division with the second-best record in baseball is the quintessential example of outperforming your spending—Detroit's 10.5 stranglehold on the AL Central is there to stay. The best part? They've spent less than half of what the Mets and Dodgers have (and nearly the Yankees) and have outperformed them all on the baseball field. Gotta love it.
17. Baltimore Orioles
Current Total Payroll: $154,097,285
2025 Record: 60-70 (5th in AL East, 23rd in MLB)
As one of MLB’s youngest teams, Baltimore’s strength lies in player development. Finishing last in the AL East stings, but extensions like Samuel Basallo’s and the growth of Jackson Holliday, Gunnar Henderson, and Adley Rutschman highlight a bright future. With such talent still on affordable contracts, tough seasons like 2025 are easier to endure.
18. Kansas City Royals
Current Total Payroll: $134,383,501
2025 Record: 67-64 (2nd in AL Central, 14th in MLB)
Rarely ones to make a big free agent splash, the Royals continue to build competitive teams quietly on a small budget. Currently 3.0 games back of the final WC spot, Kansas City is a team to watch coming into September. Good news for Royals fans? They begin a series against the White Sox tonight.
19. St. Louis Cardinals
Current Total Payroll: $129,809,862
2025 Record: 64-67 (4th in NL Central, 18th in MLB)
St. Louis has spent a moderate amount and produced moderate results. Not terrible, but not impressive either. 17.0 games behind the division-leading Brewers and 5.5 back in the final WC spot, they’re a textbook example of sometimes “you get what you pay for.”
20. Minnesota Twins
Current Total Payroll: $125,952,225
2025 Record: 59-71 (4th in AL Central, 25th in MLB)
Our lowest team in the overall standings thus far is the Twins. Minnesota began the season 18th in overall payroll but sank after offloading 40% of its active roster at the trade deadline. Fans are salty, so are content contributors, but the younger, cheaper talent that has risen from the ashes may make it worth it. Two things remain to be seen: 1. Will the owners sell? 2. If they don't, when will they spend the money necessary to keep talent in Minnesota or bring it in?
21. Colorado Rockies
Current Total Payroll: $122,056,103
2025 Record: 37-94 (5th in NL West, 30th in MLB)
The Rockies have the worst record in the majors, but this season’s struggles aren’t just about payroll. As MLB’s second-youngest team, only Washington is younger; growing pains are inevitable. There is a bright spot, however: Ethan Holliday. The younger brother of Jackson Holliday is now ranked as MLB’s No. 17 overall prospect. The future looks promising, but for now, Colorado remains at rock bottom.
22. Cincinnati Reds
Current Total Payroll: $118,484,541
2025 Record: 68-63 (3rd in NL Central, 13th in MLB)
Just 1.5 games out of the final Wild Card spot, the Reds have shown flashes of what they can be. Scrappy at times but inconsistent at others, the Reds are still better than most of MLB without spending much. Elly De La Cruz is a superstar in the making and will inevitably command a contract worthy of his speed, power, and athleticism, but will the Reds write the check? Time will tell, for now, they are in position to jump into the NL Wild Card should the Mets stumble.
23. Milwaukee Brewers
Current Total Payroll: $112,937,031
2025 Record: 81-50 (1st in NL Central, 1st in MLB)
Ah, yes, the one we have been waiting for! The Brew Crew owns the best record in baseball and has spent next to nothing to obtain it. How do they do it? Rather than focus on bringing in expensive free agents, the Brewers develop their young players. The MLB mid-season rankings for the farm systems placed Milwaukee at No. 4 - so expect quality teams for lower than average payroll for seasons to come.
24. Washington Nationals
Current Total Payroll: $109,373,425
2025 Record: 53-77 (5th in NL East, 28th in MLB)
The youngest team in MLB is also one of the lowest payrolls on record. After spending more in the 2010s, their payroll has declined as larger contracts have been replaced with cheaper, short-term ones. One item of note: the Nationals are still paying off Stephen Strasburg's contract. When he retired in 2024, it was agreed that they would pay him the remaining $105 owed from his 7-year contract. That contract could be an article all on its own.
25. Cleveland Guardians
Current Total Payroll: $97,776,595
2025 Record: 64-65 (3rd in AL Central, 16th in MLB)
All things considered, for spending less than $100M on payroll, the Guardians are doing alright. They have ranked in the bottom 25% for payroll but consistently put together competitive teams. Like Twins fans, the Guardian faithful have expressed frustration at the lack of spending, but the results are there - the shoestring budget has worked in Cleveland. We can call them "frugal."
26. Tampa Bay Rays
Current Total Payroll: $87,165,774
2025 Record: 63-67 (4th in AL East, 19th in MLB)
Historically known for maximizing value via the trade, the Rays have never exceeded the $100M mark for total payroll. Tampa consistently ranks near the bottom for payroll, but again, is known for its strong emphasis on player development - a must-have for low-spending teams to compete with big markets.
27. Pittsburgh Pirates
Current Total Payroll: $83,403,175
2025 Record: 57-74 (5th in NL Central, 27th in MLB)
Outside of Paul Skenes, the Pirates have been tough to watch in 2025. It was recently reported that the club will not be raising its payroll in 2026 - a crushing blow for fans hoping for a better season next year. To keep Skenes in Pittsburgh, the team may have to open the purse strings—or risk losing one of the best pitchers of his generation to another club.
28. The Athletics
Current Total Payroll: $77,526,550
2025 Record: 60-72 (5th in AL West, 24th in MLB)
2025's results thus far for the Athletics are precisely what a team in the middle of a move should net. They don't even have a city name connected with them this season. Shockingly, they aren't dead last in payroll, and considering how their ownership gutted the team in 2024, it could be regarded as a miracle.
29. Chicago White Sox
Current Total Payroll: $76,708,240
2025 Record: 47-83 (5th in AL Central, 29th in MLB)
When you cut your payroll nearly in half from year to year, this is the kind of season you will have. Lesson learned here? A 121-loss season is not fixed by slashing your payroll - you're still on pace to lose over 100 games for the third year in a row.
30. Miami Marlins
Current Total Payroll: $66,045,860
2025 Record: 61-69 (3rd in NL East, 21st in MLB)
Finally, the end of the payroll line stops in Miami. Down $30M from 2024, the Marlins are currently sitting close to their 2005 payroll level of just over $60M. For a point of reference, the highest paid player in the league was Alex Rodriguez at $26 million/year. That being said, the Marlins are just eight games under .500 in 2025, showing that low payroll doesn't mean everything.