San Francisco Giants chairman Greg Johnson sparked outrage among fans with a statement Wednesday about the team’s goals.
The Giants held a media session to introduce new manager Bob Melvin. The team also shared some unexpected news, announcing that president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi has agreed to a contract extension through 2026.
Yet it’s Johnson’s comments on the team’s free agency plans and the luxury tax that upset many fans.
Johnson was asked if fans should expect MLB’s luxury tax (the Competitive Balance Tax) to “be a limit on spending” this offseason.
“I think it depends a lot on who we target,” Johnson said. “When you look at the luxury tax, one year you can go past that if you have to. I don’t think it’s something we want to do for a long period. I think if you look at the teams that have jumped up in free agency, they didn’t really have great years this year, with spending.”
Johnson had a valid point, that spending more doesn’t necessarily translate into success. The three highest MLB payrolls this season, the New York Yankees and Mets and the San Diego Padres, all failed to make the postseason.
Unfortunately, Johnson pressed on, saying the team will be “active” in free agency, “but we also represent a group that hopefully our goal is to somewhat break even, which is somewhat a challenge in this business.”
The “break even” part did not sit well with fans. KNBR’s Danny Emerman noted, “Nobody wants to hear billionaire sports franchise owners, whose team valuations have only ever always increased, call this a challenging business.”
Fans vented their frustration/anger at Johnson’s statement.
I read those comments and all I see is “cheap”
— Jim Layne (@jim_layne) October 25, 2023
Challenge is to break even? Every team is making money. Giants attendance went down cause they are cheap.
— ndetherock (@EllertNick) October 25, 2023
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.