It turns out money talks, even in baseball. A pitcher’s recent decision proves that lower taxes are a bigger draw than sunshine and beaches.
Key Takeaways:
- Merrill Kelly chose Arizona over California.
- California’s high taxes were a deal-breaker.
- The pitcher signed a $40 million, two-year contract.
A Home Run for Fiscal Sanity?
Merrill Kelly, a pitcher recently in the free agent market, has chosen to return to the Arizona Diamondbacks. He inked a two-year deal for a cool $40 million. But here’s the kicker: he turned down a more lucrative offer from the San Diego Padres. Why? Taxes, plain and simple.
Kelly himself admitted that California’s hefty income tax rate – a whopping 13% on income over $1 million – scared him off. He even joked about how much money “they take out of my pocket” in California. Seems someone did the math and realized keeping more of your own money is a pretty good deal.
The Desert Beckons, Thanks to Lower Taxes
Kelly, who has strong ties to Arizona having played high school and college baseball there, also cited his preference for the desert. Arizona’s state income tax rate is roughly 2.5%. It’s clear that the allure of keeping more of his hard-earned cash played a significant role in his decision.
He told the media that his “numbers guy” ran the numbers. It made more sense to come home to Arizona. It wasn’t just about the money, it was about value. It was about keeping more of what he earned.
What This Means for the Future
This isn’t just about baseball. It’s a wake-up call. It shows that even in a world of multi-million dollar contracts, people are paying attention to where their money goes. California’s tax policies are driving people and businesses away.
This could set a trend. Athletes, entrepreneurs, and everyday citizens might start looking at states with lower taxes as a more attractive option. States that bleed their citizens dry will find it harder to attract and retain talent.
This move also highlights the importance of state-level economic policy. Conservative principles of lower taxes and fiscal responsibility are proving to be a winning formula. They create an environment where people want to live and work. Will other states finally get the message?
