Ahead of MLB's 2026 LCS, three of four remaining teams had below-average payrolls

Sports Business Journal reported on October 9 that three of the four teams remaining ahead of MLB's League Championship Series had below-average payrolls. They included the Rays, ranked 27th in payroll, and either the White Sox (26th) or Guardians (29th). SBJ contrasted that postseason picture with MLB's months-long argument that payroll disparity damages competitive balance.