Teeple: Guerrero's arbitration hearing illustrates economic divide between pro sports, average family

February 4, 2024

By Devon Teeple

The GM’s Perspective

As a fan and former collegiate and professional player, I’ve witnessed firsthand the highs and lows of what baseball can provide.

But, there’s another aspect of the sport that is leaving me struggling to understand — the mind-boggling financial dynamics at play. The arbitration struggle between Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Toronto Blue Jays is a prime example.

Guerrero is haggling for a $19.9 million paycheck, while the Jays are standing firm at $18.05 million. Beyond the field, these numbers represent more than just salary figures; they reflect a robust economic divide.

I bought six tickets for my family to see Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers take on the Jays. These set me back over $1,500, plus a hefty $220 in service fees (what is a service fee). Meanwhile, in the Twilight Zone, Ohtani gifts Joe Kelly’s wife a Porsche for a jersey number exchange. As someone who dreamed of being in their cleats, I don’t begrudge their earnings. However, the glaring disparity can’t be ignored.

In an environment where the average family makes between $50,000 to $70,000 annually, the gap is more than just financial; it’s a stark and unfortunate realism. The ongoing tug-of-war over millions in the baseball realm feels out of touch, especially in a volatile financial market with interest rates the highest they’ve been in decades.

For the average person, that $1.85 million difference in Guerrero’s negotiation could be life-altering, capable of supporting a family for close to 30 years. Sit back and think about that for a second. This radically transforms the lifestyle and opportunities available to them. Not just providing them with financial security, but the ability to make a significant impact in their community and beyond. When you’re dealing in the tens of millions, bickering over a couple of million appears insulting.

OK, so now consider a small non-profit organization which operates on an annual budget of, what, $125,000? They typically hold five fundraisers each year, including bingos and various events, to meet their benchmarks. They manage an investment portfolio with 4% returns totaling roughly $50,000, all while heavily relying on volunteers. When you compare this scenario with the millions being negotiated in professional sports, the contrast is stark and, honestly, absurd.

These negotiations, happening in a bubble of wealth that the regular person cannot understand, can turn fans away. It’s hard not to feel a disconnect when such enormous amounts of money are debated while many struggle to afford the rising costs of living, let alone splurge on a game ticket. This isn’t to say these players aren’t deserving. Their skills, hard work, and entertainment value are undeniable.

In an industry fueled by fan support, it’s crucial to maintain a connection with the audience that goes beyond the dazzle of home runs and strike-outs. As we grapple with these economic realities, it’s a reminder of the world we live in — a world where the value of entertainment and sports figures greatly eclipses that of the everyday worker.