While it would seem financially unlikely on the surface, a new report explains why the New York Mets could actually sign Vladimir Guerrero to a massive contract later this year while also having a lower payroll in future seasons.
There is a bunch of excitement surrounding the Mets at spring training this month. The team stunned the baseball world in October when they made an unlikely run to the NLCS. Seeing the opportunity ahead of them, owner Steve Cohen took the bold step of giving Juan Soto a record-breaking contract this offseason in hopes that he is the missing piece to a World Series winner.
Yet, despite all the excitement, many down in Florida also had a speculative eye on Toronto Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. this week. The four-time All-Star and his current team failed to reach an agreement this month on a new long-term contract. He is now expected to test MLB free agency in the fall/winter. And the Mets have been speculated as a likely suitor.
However, after giving Soto $765 million late last year, re-signing Pete Alonso, and with several other hefty contracts on the payroll, targeting Guerrero would now seem unlikely. Especially since Cohen has made it clear he wants to eventually bring payroll costs down.
But an interesting nugget of information was pointed out this week that shows the New York Mets could sign the Blue Jays star. And still, be on a path to having a lower payroll in the years ahead.
New York Mets on track to slash $200 million in payroll by 2028?
“Mets’ current 40-man payroll for luxury tax purposes is around $327 million. But they have just $260.8 million committed for 2026. In 2027, that number dips to $193.8 million. And in 2028 it plummets to $126 million,” SNY managing editor Danny Abriano wrote on X this week.
It should be noted that only five players are on the books for 2028. However, it’s stars like Francisco Lindor, Edwin Diaz, Kodai Senga and Soto. Starling Marte and his over $20 million is the biggest chunk of money that comes off the books next season. The team could also try and move players like Jeff McNeil and Brandon Nimmo if they wanted to slash more money for a potential addition of Guerrero.
Either way, the New York Mets will very much be in play of Vladimir Guerrero in free agency next season. Because adding him doesn’t necessarily mean they will continue to have a bloated payroll in the years ahead.
