A recent New York Post report claims that the New York Mets plan to keep their 2026 payroll between $310 million and $320 million, sparking outrage among fans. This backlash is fueled by the Mets’ recent high-profile spending, including the record $765 million contract for Juan Soto last offseason, contrasted with their failure to reach the playoffs in 2025.
However, Mets owner Steve Cohen pushed back against these claims. On Friday morning, Cohen stated on X (formerly Twitter) that the report was misunderstood and that he can’t see the team’s salaries dropping below last year’s figures. He explained that predicting payroll is tricky but believes their expenses will at least remain the same.
Cohen added that salary projections often exclude factors like waiver claims, player promotions from the minors, and trade deadline moves, which typically affect the final payroll. This was Cohen’s first post on X since September 29, right after the Mets’ last 2025 regular-season game.
According to Spotrac, the Mets had the second-highest payroll in MLB last year at $342.3 million. Currently, their 2026 salary stands at $275.8 million, ranking fourth in the league.
The offseason hasn’t been promising for Mets fans, with star players like first baseman Pete Alonso, closer Edwin Diaz, and midseason additions Ryan Helsley, Tyler Rodgers, and Cedric Mullins departing via free agency. Additionally, the Mets traded homegrown outfielder Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers in exchange for second baseman Marcus Semien.
Looking ahead, the Mets have signed former New York Yankees relievers Devin Williams (three years, $51 million) and Luke Weaver (two years, $22 million), as well as ex-Seattle Mariners infielder Jorge Polanco (two years, $40 million).
Steve Cohen reportedly acquired the Mets from the Wilpon family in November 2020 for $2.4 billion.
Fan Take: This salary debate reflects the growing tension between baseball’s rising payrolls and on-field performance, a key concern for passionate fans. How the Mets handle their spending in 2026 could set an important example for the sport’s financial strategies in an era of big contracts and high expectations.
