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MLBPA Rebukes Angels Owner Arte Moreno Over Claim Fans Don’t Prioritize Winning

The union’s pushback highlights worries about a reduced payroll tied to an unresolved local TV deal.

Overview

  • Moreno told the Orange County Register that team surveys show fans value affordability, safety and a good ballpark experience, saying winning is not in their top five.
  • MLBPA executive Bruce Meyer met Angels players and said they “took notice,” stressing that players expect ownership to pursue winning with equal intensity.
  • The Angels cut payroll from roughly $206 million to about $155 million, which ownership links to lost local broadcast revenue after Main Street Sports’ collapse.
  • Some spring training games went untelevised as the club weighs its next broadcast partner, and Moreno said payroll could return near $200 million once media revenue stabilizes.
  • Former outfielder Kevin Pillar joined media critics in urging Moreno to sell, as the Angels carry MLB’s longest active playoff drought since their last postseason in 2014.