As someone who grew up watching the A's and Yankees win multiple World Series in the 1970s while constantly fighting one another, it's my opinion that talent trumps everything and while it may be easier if everyone gets along, it's far from necessary.
As for the length of the deals, it's my belief that having multiple players coming off the books at the same time - regardless if it's a 1-year, 3-year or 5-year deal - is what's important. I would have preferred to see this assembled not by length of deal but rather expiration of deal.
So, who's leaving, or potentially leaving, after this season?
Alonso has an opt-out
Diaz has an opt-out
Marte's contract is up
Montas has an opt out but the injury makes it seem much less likely
Minter has an opt-out
Winker's contract is up
Stanek's contract is up
Canning's contract is up
Blackburn's contract is up
If all of the players with options decide to return, the Mets have $41.05 million coming off the books. Once you give raises to arb-eligible and pre-arb players, it's not a lot to plow back into free agency, even considering Alonso's lower salary in 2026. If Alonso opts to stay - does that rule out a run at Vlad Jr.?
If everyone's fear comes true and the SP isn't up to snuff -- is there enough money to bring in an SP1 or SP2 and also replace the DH and fortify the bullpen?
And how does it work with everyone clamoring for the Mets to copy the Braves and look to lock up Alvarez and Vientos to team-friendly, long-term deals? Instead of a sub-$1 million salary, these players will carry salaries at least 5X that much - further cutting off money to improve elsewhere.
Everyone is very cavalier with Steve Cohen's fortune. But it's clear from both what he's said and what he's done that there's some ceiling on what he's willing to spend. How does he get the team to compete for championships while also lowering his payroll?
When I think long term, I think about Bobby Bonilla, who actually will be paid in full before Soto's contract expires. I am not aware of any other deferred salary that will be payable by the Mets after anyone's contract is completed - does anyone else know or have info on deferred payments?
Stearns has better start thinking of this band aid pitching staff he has stitched together. Montas on the IL and now Manaea to the IL with an oblique strain. Its not even March 1st. Who's next, Senga?
As someone who grew up watching the A's and Yankees win multiple World Series in the 1970s while constantly fighting one another, it's my opinion that talent trumps everything and while it may be easier if everyone gets along, it's far from necessary.
As for the length of the deals, it's my belief that having multiple players coming off the books at the same time - regardless if it's a 1-year, 3-year or 5-year deal - is what's important. I would have preferred to see this assembled not by length of deal but rather expiration of deal.
So, who's leaving, or potentially leaving, after this season?
Alonso has an opt-out
Diaz has an opt-out
Marte's contract is up
Montas has an opt out but the injury makes it seem much less likely
Minter has an opt-out
Winker's contract is up
Stanek's contract is up
Canning's contract is up
Blackburn's contract is up
If all of the players with options decide to return, the Mets have $41.05 million coming off the books. Once you give raises to arb-eligible and pre-arb players, it's not a lot to plow back into free agency, even considering Alonso's lower salary in 2026. If Alonso opts to stay - does that rule out a run at Vlad Jr.?
If everyone's fear comes true and the SP isn't up to snuff -- is there enough money to bring in an SP1 or SP2 and also replace the DH and fortify the bullpen?
And how does it work with everyone clamoring for the Mets to copy the Braves and look to lock up Alvarez and Vientos to team-friendly, long-term deals? Instead of a sub-$1 million salary, these players will carry salaries at least 5X that much - further cutting off money to improve elsewhere.
Everyone is very cavalier with Steve Cohen's fortune. But it's clear from both what he's said and what he's done that there's some ceiling on what he's willing to spend. How does he get the team to compete for championships while also lowering his payroll?
When I think long term, I think about Bobby Bonilla, who actually will be paid in full before Soto's contract expires. I am not aware of any other deferred salary that will be payable by the Mets after anyone's contract is completed - does anyone else know or have info on deferred payments?
Stearns has better start thinking of this band aid pitching staff he has stitched together. Montas on the IL and now Manaea to the IL with an oblique strain. Its not even March 1st. Who's next, Senga?