Every spring Forbes estimates the value of each major league club and reports who makes the most money, loses the most money and all of that. They’re guesses at the absolute best. In some case rather wild guesses. There just isn’t enough data out there about major league clubs for anyone to check these numbers against and the only people in a position to correct them -- the owners themselves -- wouldn’t dare reveal what they really make or lose. It’s a nice snapshot. A fun exercise. But not much more.
For what it’s worth, in 2016 Forbes says, surprise surprise, that the New York Yankees are the most valuable club, worth $3.4 billion. That’s up 6 percent from last year and the highest evaluation for the 19th year in a row. The Los Angeles Dodgers are second at $2.5 billion, followed by Boston ($2.3 billion), San Francisco ($2.25 billion), the Chicago Cubs ($2.2 billion) and the New York Mets ($1.65 billion).
At the other end of the scale, the Miami Marlins are last at $675 million and Oakland is second to last at $725 million. The biggest gain on the list from anyone comes from the Houston Astros, whose value increased 38 percent to $1.1 billion after a new broadcasting deal was put in place. And, of course, after a winning season with a playoff run that presages some good crowds going forward.
Forbes claims the average value of a Major League Baseball team increased 7 percent in the last year to $1.3 billion.
It’s good to own a baseball team, you guys. It’s the most foolproof investment I can think of.