The New York Mets have the wealthiest owner in baseball, and they are not afraid of spending money to win.
Steve Cohen, a successful hedge fund billionaire who took over his beloved Mets (he has been a lifelong fan) a couple of years ago, is actually the MLB Players Association’s dream owner: he doesn’t care about blowing past the competitive balance tax and he will hand large contracts to the players he, and his front office, deem worthy.
Cohen has already shown he can flex his financial muscle, by signing Francisco Lindor to a $341 million contract, Max Scherzer to a $130 million deal, Starling Marte to nearly $80 million, and more.
He signed catcher James McCann in his first season, when he was also in on Trevor Bauer until the last minute; and this offseason, he is bringing Mark Canha and Eduardo Escobar in addition to Scherzer and Marte.
The Mets Are Already Paying Nearly $150 Million In Salary Commitments Two Years From Now
The Mets have spent so much money that they already have nearly $150 million on the books committed to the 2024 season: that’s two years from now!
“Mets 2024 payroll is already at $149,000,000…,” was the tweet sent by Codify, an incredibly interesting account full of stats and facts.
Mets 2024 payroll is already at $149,000,000…
— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) March 1, 2022
Most of that money is tied to Lindor, McCann, Marte, and Scherzer, who can opt out of that last year of his deal.
The Mets, however, do have some pre-arbitration and arbitration talent to make the finances work, but it doesn’t matter: Cohen will spend until he makes the Mets a perennial contender.
According to Spotrac, the Mets have the highest payroll for the 2022 campaign, with $235,599,999 million.
It’s one of only three organizations slated to pass the luxury tax this season.
The Mets have money, and they will use it.
NEXT: Mets Have A Plan If They Can Sign Freddie Freeman