Now that we know Matt Wieters will be with the Washington Nationals, a new potential problem arises.
With Wieters making $10.5 million this year—once the deal becomes official—the payroll jumps to roughly $165 million. Although that is $30 million under the new competitive balance tax for 2017, it is within $5 million of Washington’s perceived budget limit.
Baseball-Reference breaks it down this way, 16 players are under contract already for a total estimate of $147.9 million. Wieters jumps that number to $158.4 million. With eight roster spots to be filled-roughly adding $6.