I Built a Team to Challenge for the World Series on a $23 Million Budget
Baseball has evolved, but some things never change: money talks. The New York Yankees and New York Mets dominated payroll conversations in 2024, each boasting payrolls north of $300 million. The Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies weren't far behind, each fielding teams with contracts nearing a quarter-billion dollars. In contrast, the Oakland Athletics, with a meager $25 million committed to their starting nine batters, were outspent over tenfold by these titans of baseball. Yet, there's a way to challenge for a World Series without breaking the bank.
Our Aim: Achieve a Team TBO9 of 20.03
When we talk about building a team, we usually discuss power, defense, or pitching. But in this article, we're taking a unique approach by focusing on Total Bases Obtained per 9 innings (TBO9) as our key metric. TBO9 measures a player’s ability to generate total bases, including singles, doubles, triples, home runs, walks, and stolen bases, per game. A high team TBO9 score is crucial for sustained offensive pressure, and to compete with the best teams, we’ve targeted a combined TBO9 of 20.03, similar to that of the Dodgers' starting lineup which has just won the World Series. If you think about it, it makes sense. This amounts to around 5 runs a game, which will do you rather well over the course of a season.
The challenge? Constructing a team that reaches this TBO9 mark while spending less than the Oakland Athletics' 2024 starting nine payroll. By carefully analyzing free agents and finding value-for-money players, we can construct a competitive lineup without signing any superstars or offering massive contracts. Let’s explore how this is possible.
Big Names We’re Passing On
It’s tempting to look at free agents like Juan Soto, who had one of the best statistics in baseball including a TBO9 of 2.93 and belted 41 home runs. Players of his caliber demand astronomical salaries. Soto's next contract is expected to land somewhere around $70 million per year, far exceeding our entire team budget. Other stars, like Alex Bregman, are similarly priced out of our reach. We’re not chasing the headline-grabbers; instead, we’re looking for the most efficient, cost-effective players available.
Now that we’ve set the stage, let’s dive into each position and the players we’ve considered. Remember, our strategy emphasizes value over name recognition.
Catcher: Jacob Stallings
Jacob Stallings brings veteran experience behind the plate, coupled with solid defensive skills. He posted a respectable TBO9 of 2.20 and hit 9 home runs while batting .263 in 2024. His 2024 salary was $1.5 million, but based on his contributions, we estimate he could command a deal in the range of $2 million to $3 million. While not the flashiest choice, Stallings adds stability and leadership to the team, making him a valuable asset.
| Name | Team | Age | PA | TBO9 | HR | AVG | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyle Higashioka | SDP | 34 | 263 | 2.30 | 17 | 0.22 | $2,180,000 |
| Jacob Stallings | COL | 34 | 281 | 2.20 | 9 | 0.263 | $1,500,000 |
| Travis d'Arnaud | ATL | 35 | 341 | 2.10 | 15 | 0.238 | $8,000,000 |
| Yasmani Grandal | PIT | 35 | 243 | 2.06 | 9 | 0.228 | $2,500,000 |
First Base: Ryan O'Hearn
Ryan O'Hearn quietly put together a solid campaign in 2024, with a TBO9 of 2.17 and 15 home runs while batting .264. His power numbers make him a cost-effective power threat at first base. O'Hearn earned $3.5 million in 2024, and we project his market value to be similar next year. While not a top-tier first baseman like Pete Alonso or Paul Goldschmidt, O'Hearn’s ability to slug and get on base gives our lineup a crucial offensive boost.
| Name | Team | Age | PA | TBO9 | HR | AVG | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christian Walker | ARI | 33 | 552 | 2.29 | 26 | 0.251 | $10,900,000 |
| Pete Alonso | NYM | 29 | 695 | 2.28 | 34 | 0.24 | $20,500,000 |
| Carlos Santana | MIN | 38 | 594 | 2.18 | 23 | 0.238 | $5,250,000 |
| Ryan O'Hearn | BAL | 30 | 494 | 2.17 | 15 | 0.264 | $3,500,000 |
Second Base: Whit Merrifield
Whit Merrifield may not be the same player who led the league in steals a few years ago, but he remains a versatile infielder with a TBO9 of 1.94. His .222 average in 2024 leaves something to be desired, but his experience and ability to play multiple positions are invaluable. He’s a steal at $1 million to $2 million, and his defensive capabilities make him a wise budget-friendly pick.
| Name | Team | Age | PA | TBO9 | HR | AVG | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gleyber Torres | NYY | 27 | 665 | 1.97 | 15 | 0.257 | $14,200,000 |
| Whit Merrifield | --- | 35 | 335 | 1.94 | 4 | 0.222 | $740,000 |
| Jorge Polanco | SEA | 30 | 469 | 1.90 | 16 | 0.213 | $10,500,000 |
| Kyle Farmer | MIN | 33 | 242 | 1.82 | 5 | 0.214 | $6,500,000 |
Shortstop: José Iglesias
José Iglesias had an outstanding 2024, batting .337 with a TBO9 of 2.15. His defensive range and soft hands make him a highly coveted shortstop, even at age 34. Iglesias made $1.5 million in 2024, but with his offensive and defensive contributions, he could command between $3 million and $5 million. He’s a bargain given the scarcity of quality shortstops in free agency.
| Name | Team | Age | PA | TBO9 | HR | AVG | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Willy Adames | MIL | 28 | 688 | 2.47 | 32 | 0.251 | $12,250,000 |
| Jose Iglesias | NYM | 34 | 291 | 2.15 | 4 | 0.337 | $1,500,000 |
| Paul DeJong | --- | 30 | 482 | 2.01 | 24 | 0.227 | $1,750,000 |
| Amed Rosario | --- | 28 | 346 | 1.93 | 3 | 0.28 | $1,500,000 |
Third Base: Gio Urshela
Gio Urshela may not be the flashiest name on this list, but his reliable defense and a TBO9 of 1.75 make him a solid budget-friendly option. In 2024, Urshela hit 9 home runs and posted a .250 batting average. His versatility in the infield adds value, and at an estimated $1 million to $2 million, he fits perfectly into our cost-effective strategy. While stars like Alex Bregman command over $28 million per year, Urshela gives us a dependable option at a fraction of the cost.
| Name | Team | Age | PA | TBO9 | HR | AVG | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Bregman | HOU | 30 | 634 | 2.20 | 26 | 0.26 | $28,500,000 |
| Gio Urshela | --- | 32 | 461 | 1.75 | 9 | 0.25 | $740,000 |
Left Field: Rob Refsnyder
Rob Refsnyder turned heads in 2024 with a TBO9 of 2.32, hitting 11 home runs and batting .283. His consistent offensive production and ability to play both outfield corners make him a valuable asset. Refsnyder earned $1.85 million last season, and we project a slight bump to $2 million to $3 million for 2025. Compared to outfielders like Michael Conforto, who are set to make over $18 million, Refsnyder is a clear value pick, providing pop and versatility without the price tag.
| Name | Team | Age | PA | TBO9 | HR | AVG | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jurickson Profar | SDP | 31 | 668 | 2.33 | 24 | 0.28 | $1,000,000 |
| Rob Refsnyder | BOS | 33 | 307 | 2.32 | 11 | 0.283 | $1,850,000 |
| Jesse Winker | --- | 30 | 508 | 2.23 | 14 | 0.253 | $2,000,000 |
| Michael Conforto | SFG | 31 | 488 | 2.21 | 20 | 0.237 | $18,000,000 |
Center Field: Kevin Pillar
Kevin Pillar is a veteran known for his exceptional defense and clutch hitting. In 2024, he managed a TBO9 of 1.94 with 8 home runs, batting .229. Though his average was lower than ideal, his experience and ability to make game-changing plays in the outfield make him a valuable addition to our lineup. Pillar’s estimated salary of $1 million to $2 million represents a bargain for a player with his skill set, especially when compared to other free-agent center fielders commanding $10 million or more.
| Name | Team | Age | PA | TBO9 | HR | AVG | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harrison Bader | NYM | 30 | 437 | 1.94 | 12 | 0.236 | $9,500,000 |
| Kevin Pillar | --- | 35 | 314 | 1.94 | 8 | 0.229 | $1,000,000 |
| Manuel Margot | MIN | 29 | 343 | 1.73 | 4 | 0.238 | $10,000,000 |
Right Field: Randal Grichuk
Randal Grichuk was a force to be reckoned with in 2024, posting a TBO9 of 2.49 while batting .291 and hitting 12 home runs. His power and ability to get on base make him a critical component of our lineup. Grichuk’s current market value is estimated at $3 million to $4 million, which is a steal compared to elite outfielders like Juan Soto. For a team looking for power without the superstar price, Grichuk is the ideal right fielder.
| Name | Team | Age | PA | TBO9 | HR | AVG | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Juan Soto | NYY | 25 | 713 | 2.93 | 41 | 0.288 | $31,000,000 |
| Randal Grichuk | ARI | 32 | 279 | 2.49 | 12 | 0.291 | $1,500,000 |
| Anthony Santander | BAL | 29 | 665 | 2.45 | 44 | 0.235 | $11,700,000 |
| Jason Heyward | --- | 34 | 258 | 2.11 | 10 | 0.211 | $740,000 |
Designated Hitter: Andrew McCutchen
Andrew McCutchen has had a storied career, and in 2024, he proved he still has plenty to offer with a TBO9 of 2.14 and 20 home runs. Although his batting average dipped to .232, his ability to draw walks and hit for power make him a valuable designated hitter. McCutchen’s estimated salary for 2025 is around $5 million, a reasonable price for a player who can anchor the middle of the lineup and provide leadership in the clubhouse.
| Name | Team | Age | PA | TBO9 | HR | AVG | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marcell Ozuna | ATL | 33 | 688 | 2.66 | 39 | 0.302 | $16,000,000 |
| Joc Pederson | ARI | 32 | 449 | 2.52 | 23 | 0.275 | $9,500,000 |
| Andrew McCutchen | PIT | 37 | 515 | 2.14 | 20 | 0.232 | $5,000,000 |
| J.D. Martinez | NYM | 36 | 495 | 2.05 | 16 | 0.235 | $9,500,000 |
Summary
| Name | Team | Age | PA | TBO9 | HR | AVG | Salary | FanGraphs Worth | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andrew McCutchen | PIT | 37 | 515 | 2.14 | 20 | 0.232 | $5,000,000 | $3,900,000 | $3,000,000 |
| Whit Merrifield | - - - | 35 | 335 | 1.94 | 4 | 0.222 | $740,000 | $3,600,000 | $1,500,000 |
| Jose Iglesias | NYM | 34 | 291 | 2.15 | 4 | 0.337 | $1,500,000 | $20,300,000 | $4,000,000 |
| Gio Urshela | - - - | 32 | 461 | 1.75 | 9 | 0.25 | $740,000 | $5,600,000 | $1,500,000 |
| Rob Refsnyder | BOS | 33 | 307 | 2.32 | 11 | 0.283 | $1,850,000 | $9,700,000 | $2,500,000 |
| Kevin Pillar | - - - | 35 | 314 | 1.94 | 8 | 0.229 | $1,000,000 | $4,400,000 | $1,500,000 |
| Randal Grichuk | ARI | 32 | 279 | 2.49 | 12 | 0.291 | $1,500,000 | $12,300,000 | $3,500,000 |
| Jacob Stallings | COL | 34 | 281 | 2.20 | 9 | 0.263 | $1,500,000 | $7,500,000 | $2,500,000 |
| Ryan O'Hearn | BAL | 30 | 494 | 2.17 | 15 | 0.264 | $3,500,000 | $13,500,000 | $3,500,000 |
| Total | 19.10 | $17,830,000 | $80,800,000 | $23,500,000 | |||||
By assembling this team of undervalued free agents, we've built a lineup with a combined TBO9 of 19.10 - slightly under the LA Dodgers offense — all for just $23.5 million. These players may not be the biggest names in free agency, but their performance and potential make them strategic acquisitions for any team aiming to maximize production while minimizing payroll. Any MLB team, even those with tight budgets, could deploy this lineup and compete for a championship. Next up, we'll explore how to construct a cost-effective pitching staff to complement this offense.