MLB player payroll increased significantly in 2022:

Last year’s average salary was calculated by the union at $4,222,193, up from $3,679,335 in 2021. MLB, which uses a slightly different method, calculated the average at $4,117,472, up 15% from $3,579,341 in 2021.

Payrolls, a more complete reflection on spending, rose 12.6% to $4.56 billion from $4.05 billion.

ESPN.com

Good. Salaries have been stagnant for two long. It appears they will be up again in 2023. I also like this quote from Tony Clark of the MLBPA, complaining about clubs that keep payroll low:

“What is interesting is the comments finding into the way into the headlines against the backdrop of a remarkably exciting offseason, where teams competing and engaging in the free agent market created a level of excitement that I would think is a positive,” Clark said.

There was a great deal of attendance growth after the introduction of free agency in the mid 1970s. Big free agent signings are good for teams, they tell the fans the home town favorites are ready to win, and the fans come out.

Of course, the monkey wrench in the plans may be the collapse of Regional Sports Networks. I suspect MLB is ready for this however. They might as well keep the advertising dollars for themselves.