Former GM argues MLB salary cap is less impactful than perceived
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 1, 2026, 12:24 AM
Last updated Jun 1, 2026
Zack Scott, former general manager of the New York Mets, contends that a salary cap would only influence one-third of a Major League Baseball team's success. His analysis shows a 0.57 correlation between team payrolls and win percentages over five seasons, indicating that luck, player acquisition, development, and governance play larger roles. With MLB's lengthy 162-game season allowing for numerous variables, Scott argues that the cap would not enhance competitive balance as some believe. The collective bargaining agreement between MLB and the players union is set to expire, raising questions about future salary negotiations.
- •Zack Scott claims luck matters more in MLB than in other leagues.
- •Payroll correlates with only one-third of team success in MLB.
- •MLB's average roster features 29 pitchers and 49 position players.
- •Scott's analysis suggests a longer season creates more opportunities for luck.
- •The MLB collective bargaining agreement is nearing expiration.
- 12:24 AMYahoo Sports — Why MLB is The Last League That Needs a Salary Cap
"The simple math of rosters and schedules asserts a former general manager's claim: luck matters more in MLB than in other leagues.
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