Could Marlins payroll double in 2027 under next CBA?

Negotiations are underway between Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association on a new collective bargaining agreement that could radically change how the Miami Marlins operate financially in 2027 and beyond. AJ Ramos, Kevin Barral and Ely Sussman share the main takeaways from each side's initial proposal. Then, they get caught up on the Marlins' recent performance and revisit the time that AJ indirectly ignited a benches-clearing brawl in Los Angeles.

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The projected 2026 Marlins payroll is a league-low $73.5M, according to Roster Resource. Meanwhile, under a potential salary-capped system, MLB has proposed a "floor" of $171.2 million beginning next season—that's far more than Miami has ever spent on players in a single season.

Keep in mind, this is expected to be a lengthy CBA negotiation. Dollar figures that we're hearing about now may change significantly by the time that a deal is ratified next year.