Major League Baseball's payroll system is very different than the NBA, NHL and NFL because no team has a 'cap' or maximum amount a they can operate under financially; it obviously has a direct correlation to success although in recent history WS participants weren't always the highest payroll teams. There are a few teams that have perennial success operating as a team with a mid to low payroll.
Year-to-year some teams continually WIN with a high payroll (Yankees, Red Sox, Angels, Phillies), WIN with a low payroll (Marlins, A's, Rays), LOSE with a high payroll (Cubs, Mets) and LOSE with a low payroll (Pirates, Royals, Nationals).
Here is a chart breaking down the top/bottom five teams in baseball based on current standings.
