In Milwaukee, Tom Haudricourt noted there has been "speculation" that the Brewers this offseason will make a "big financial splash on the free agent market." The team began the '17 season with an actual player payroll below $60M, which "ranked at or near the bottom" of MLB. But after a "surprising 86-76 finish," the Brewers "might be inclined to spend some money on the free-agent market to continue to move their process forward." The Brewers have "just one big contract on their books at present" with LF Ryan Braun, who has three years and $57M remaining on a five-year, $105M extension signed in '11. But the club also has "internal payroll hikes to consider" (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 11/4).
TRIMMING THE BUDGET: In Tampa, Marc Topkin noted the Rays' front office starts the offseason with two straightforward tasks: "make their team better and less expensive." Coming off a "third straight losing season under current management," Rays execs have orders from Owner Stuart Sternberg to "reduce a payroll that started last season" at $70M and by the end was pushing $80M. The size of the reduction is "not known," but even a modest one will "require major moves in terms of trading veteran players" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 11/4).
CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES: In K.C., Maria Torres noted the Royals in '18 "will wear patches on the left sleeves of their jerseys commemorating their 50th season" in K.C. The round patch "has the year 1969 on the left side, 2018 on the right and a bold 50 in the middle," while a crown "hovers over the 50" (K.C. STAR, 11/4).
