Braves: Alex Anthopoulos comments on Atlanta’s payroll going into 2022

In a bit of very refreshing (and perhaps expected) news, Alex Anthopoulos has given some encouraging statements regarding Atlanta’s spending power going into the offseason:

“Payroll will go up.” – Alex Anthopoulos. He didn’t elaborate much further but ensured payroll will be higher in 2022.

— Gabe Burns (@GabeBurnsAJC) November 7, 2021

This shouldn’t come as a surprise. Liberty Media reported huge third quarter numbers, and estimated revenue from the World Series home games — which doesn’t include any merchandising, parking, concessions, or other playoff games — is predicted to clock in at around $160 million. That’s more than the team’s payroll was for their Opening Day 26-man roster in 2021.

With a Freddie Freeman extension hopefully on the horizon and the ability to add critical pieces with a championship window that is just opening, it’s good news that the Braves should be spending more than the $112.7 million they did in 2021.