Payroll 2026

[Centerfield]

Spotrac has it's team summaries out for this winter. The Mets preview is here:

https://www.spotrac.com/news/_/id/3021/new-york-mets-offseason-preview

The big takeaway:

 

The Mets found a way to miss the postseason with a $341M tax payroll ($100M over the threshold). They begin 2026 with a roster that projects toward $265M ($22M over the tax line). While roster change is imminent, a sudden drop in overall payroll for the upcoming season isn’t expected.

 

That figure includes projections on all arbitration eligible players. That number might go down a little if the Mets decide to non-tender some guys, but it won't be significantly different. If you assume payroll stays around the same level, that leaves about $80 Million to rebuild the club.

If they resign Pete ($30M) and Diaz ($20M), that leaves you about $30M.

So with $30M, can you find:

1. A starting pitcher. (ace level or just below)

2. Another starting pitcher

3. A RH DH

4. A centerfielder

5. An eighth inning reliever

6. A mid-leverage reliever

I don't know. It seems like a tall order.

[smg58]

I don't think money is an object. The bigger concern is how to keep too much of it from being eaten by hurt or bad players.

[Centerfield]

I think money has to be of some concern.

Let's say we are $265M, and we re-sign Pete and Diaz at $50M collectively. That gets us to $315MM.

From my list above:

1. A starting pitcher. (ace level or just below) $30M

2. Another starting pitcher $15M

3. A RH DH $20M

4. A centerfielder 10M?

5. An eighth inning reliever $10M

6. A mid-leverage reliever $7M

Total additions: $92M

Total Payroll: $407M

Do you see Cohen going over $400M in payroll? I don't think that's realistic.

[rchurch314]

I don't think they're spending for a top SP. they don't seem to like to do that. It's hurt them, but are they introspective enough to realize it?

I'd be shocked if they're not mostly planning on the young guys. Hopefully they don't try the Scherzer/Verlander "old veteran guy" thing again, or at least, try it with healthier guys. That'd be better than the "We see something in Frankie Montas, trust us" method though.

trade for deGrom?

[Gwreck]

Britton did a piece a few weeks back about what the payroll would look like at $244 million (below luxury tax threshold), $284 million (below penalty level where draft position is lived back) and at $340 million.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6695773/2025/10/07/new-york-mets-roster-offseason-budget/

Takeaway:

He had $340M as a level at which the Mets could (1) retain Alonso and Diaz; (2) sign a Shane Bieber or Michael King as a starter; (3) add a couple luxury bullpen arms (Shelby Miller, Brad Keller).

At the $340M level though, that’s still putting McNeil at 2B, Baty at 3B, Vientos at DH, and Taylor in CF as part of the everyday starting lineup (under the theory that Benge and Williams are likely to help later in the year, but won’t be on the opening day roster).

[smg58]

I'm not sure what to do about center. Taylor screams "non-tender" at me, but you'd have to be willing to go with McNeil in center (and Mauricio at second or third against righties) if you go that route. I don't think the free agent CFs are worth the trouble, but I'd be in on Jarren Duran or Wilyer Abreu if the Red Sox make them available because I think their gloves will work in center. Free agents who could compete with Vientos for a DH spot (or an extra righty bat in general) should not be expensive.

[Centerfield]

One note. Though the article projects the Mets at $265M, with projected arbitration, the Mets actual page projects them at $247M. That give them a little more room to work with.

https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/new-york-mets/overview

 

He had $340M as a level at which the Mets could (1) retain Alonso and Diaz; (2) sign a Shane Bieber or Michael King as a starter; (3) add a couple luxury bullpen arms (Shelby Miller, Brad Keller).

 

I think this type of offseason (not necessarily the names listed, but guys like them) could be a perfectly fine off-season. And puts the Mets right back as playoff contenders. But it doesn't move the needle, and the Mets are likely fighting for a WC spot again.

I have a feeling Stearns and Cohen are aiming higher.

[The Hot Corner]

Taylor definitely should not be counted on to be the starting CF. He however is a wonderful defensive outfielder that can sub for defense late in the game, runs well enough to serve as a pinch runner, and is reasonably inexpensive. So, I have no problem keeping him around in a 4th/5th outfielder role, but he can't be counted on to play a starting role in the outfield.

[MFS62]

Since we're talking about financial matters:

The Mets posted a new financial high in 2025. The organization recorded a $308 million total revenue and $195 million net income last season, according to their latest unaudited statement from Queens Ballpark Company LLC. The statement covered a nine-month period from the beginning of the season to September 30, 2025, and was obtained by the Sports Business Journal.

https://metsmerizedonline.com/mets-post-record-308-million-total-revenue-in-2025/

The article doesn't specify the $247M tax payroll salaries mentioned above.

But I noticed it does also not include any tv revenue.

From those numbers, I can't figure out how much money they might have available for salaries, should they maintain those levels. Are tv revenue and salaries a wash, or are they being carried on the books of a separate corporation?

The numbers don't seem to jibe.

Anyone here able to help?

Later