The stark distinction between Oakland A’s, San Francisco Giants

OAKLAND, CA – MAY 15: A view of RingCentral Coliseum during the game between the Oakland Athletics and the Los Angeles Angels on May 15, 2022 in Oakland, California. The Angels defeated the Athletics 4-1. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images)

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The Oakland A’s have typically needed to do more with less.

It is a part of their reality considering ownership’s refusal to spend on payroll. Despite those limitations, the A’s have had success in the regular season, reaching the playoffs in three of the past five years. That included their winning the AL West in 2020, a feat that was all the more impressive as they were the only team over .500 that year.

Oakland A’s stretching their money as far as possible compared to San Francisco Giants

The cost of that success? Approximately $325 million. That number is skewed by the A’s decision to slash payroll to an absurdly low level for the 2022 season, but it does not change the fact that the A’s have typically been forced to shop at Dollar Tree for free agents. Even that was too expensive for the 2021-22 offseason.

Then there are the Giants. They are looking to find their way back to the postseason after a disappointing showing in 2022 and are willing to spend whatever they need to do so. That was evident with their signing of Carlos Correa, who inked a 13 year deal worth $350 million.

Obviously, there are two different realities for the Giants and A’s. The Giants’ ownership wants to be somewhat profitable, but has every desire to win. The A’s, meanwhile, are focused on the bottom line and stuffing as much money into John Fisher’s coffers as possible. This leads to a situation where the Giants were able to give out a contract that not only would have covered the A’s payroll for the last five years, but would have possibly been able to help alleviate issues such as the plumbing not working at the Colesium.

The Oakland A’s have not spent much on payroll over the last five years. Compared to the San Francisco Giants, they have done an impressive job.