This episode of Locked On A’s digs into the question fans debate every single winter: does spending money in the offseason actually lead to winning? Booney dives into 28 years of MLB payroll rankings and postseason results, from the playoff expansion of 1995 through 2024, and the numbers tell a story that’s far more chaotic than the conventional wisdom. High-payroll teams are consistent October participants, but low-budget underdogs sneak in nearly a third of the time. And when you total everything up? Exactly half of all postseason teams came from the “expected payroll tier”—a perfect 50/50 split that blows apart the idea that money automatically buys winning. But the episode goes deeper than numbers. Boon explains why analytics, spreadsheets, and salary structures miss the human element that actually determines success. Spending creates opportunity, but only if teams spend on the right players—the glue guys, the clubhouse leaders, the unselfish grinders who elevate a roster. Big payrolls full of “metrics darlings” flame out every year, while smarter, balanced teams find their way to October. This is the truth about MLB spending that nobody wants to admit—and it has major implications for the A’s as they move into their next chapter. A's, Athletics, Locked On A's, MLB payroll, MLB spending, MLB offseason, MLB free agency, MLB winter meetings, MLB analytics, Moneyball, baseball payroll analysis, MLB postseason trends, MLB salary rankings, MLB competitive balance, big market teams, small market teams, A's offseason strategy, baseball statistics, MLB team building Join our LOCKED ON A'S INSIDERS texting community and chat with host Booney any time by clicking this link: https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonas. Booney provides one-on-ones, breaking news, show previews, A's breakdowns, and offseason updates. Try it FREE for 14 days! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonas For your next listen, check out the Locked On MLB podcast. Get Sully’s take on MLB! He has it all covered every single day. Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! PrizePicks Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONMLB to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.PrizePicks — Run Your Game.Click Link Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LO... Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) #Athletics #LasVegasAthletics #MLB Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
