The New York Mets and Baltimore Orioles are on opposite ends of the payroll spectrum. According to Spotrac, the Mets 26 man roster is costing Steve Cohen just under $262 million. The Orioles, meanwhile, are spending just under $48.2 million on their 26 man roster; the A’s are the only team with a lower payroll.
The payroll difference does not end there. As Hector Gomez pointed out on Twitter, the Mets have $49.8 million committed to eight players who are not on their roster. While Bobby Bonilla’s annual payday generates the most headlines, the Mets are still paying Robinson Cano, James McCann, Eduardo Escobar, Chris Flexen, Darin Ruf, Tommy Hunter, and Bret Saberhagen as well.
Baltimore Orioles doing more than New York Mets with a lot less
There is one thing that the Mets financial advantage cannot buy – wins. The Orioles are one of the best teams in the majors and currently hold a playoff berth. The Mets, on the other hand, have been one of the biggest disappointments in the majors in 2023. Instead of their expected triumphant return to the postseason, they were 6.5 games out of a Wild Card spot entering Thursday.
These struggles are also a situation that money will not make a difference. The Mets have not gotten what they hoped for from their pitching staff at all this season. Injuries, especially to Edwin Diaz during the World Baseball Classic, have hindered the Mets all season. They, along with the Padres, are evidence that building a fantasy baseball roster does not always lead to success on the diamond.
The Orioles, on the other hand, have picked up where they left off last season. They were one of the biggest surprises in the game in 2022 and are proving that performance was not a fluke. While they will eventually need to spend to keep their young core together, the Orioles are showing that it is possible to do more with a lot less.
The New York Mets are spending more on former players than the Baltimore Orioles are on their 26 man roster. Guess which team is eyeing the playoffs.
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