Mets' 2025 Payroll Hits $320M; Luxury Tax Penalty Climbs to $79M+

The Mets' extensive offseason activity has pushed their payroll to new heights.

Sep 17, 2023; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets owner Steve Cohen on the field before a game against the Cincinnati Reds at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

With Pete Alonso's two-year, $54 million deal agreed upon—$27 million of which will count toward 2025—the Mets' roster payroll has jumped to an impressive $320 million. Second only to the Los Angeles Dodgers' estimated $382 million, it solidifies the Mets as one of the MLB's highest-spending teams once again.

Breaking Down the Mets' 2025 Payroll

• Current payroll allotments: $301,950,000
• Arbitration salaries: $19 million
• CBT adjustments (including player benefits, minor league costs, etc.): $63 million
• Total Competitive Balance Tax (CBT) payroll: $320 million

The 2025 luxury tax threshold is $241 million, meaning the Mets are about $79 million over the limit and subject to financial penalties.

Pete Alonso's 2 year, $54 million contract to return to the #Mets includes $30M in 2025 ($10M signing bonus), plus a $24M player option in 2026.

The $27M APY salary increases the Mets projected opening day tax payroll to $322.5M, second only to the #Dodgers ($382M)

— Spotrac (@spotrac) February 6, 2025

Luxury Tax Breakdown

As a team exceeding the highest penalty tier ($297 million), the Mets are subject to the humorously-coined [Steve] "Cohen Tax" surcharge of 110% on every dollar spent beyond that breakpoint.

• First-tier tax ($241M–$261M): 20% on $20M = $4M
• Second-tier tax ($261M–$281M): 32% on $20M = $6.4M
• Third-tier tax ($281M–$297M): 62.5% on $16M = $10M
• Final surcharge ($297M+): 110% on $23M = $25.3M
• Total luxury tax penalty: $79.7 million

For perspective, this tax bill alone exceeds the entire payrolls of the bottom six MLB teams: the Cleveland Guardians ($76.7 million), Tampa Bay Rays ($72.6 million), Pittsburgh Pirates ($69.9 million), Chicago White Sox ($61.2 million), Athletics ($54.1 million), and Miami Marlins ($43.6 million).

Mets' Top 5 Salaries for 2025

1. Juan Soto – $51.88 million
2. Francisco Lindor – $34.1 million
3. Pete Alonso – $27 million
4. Sean Manaea – $25 million
5. Starling Marte - $20.75 million

These five players alone account for about $158 million, or 49% of the team's payroll.

With owner Steve Cohen's unwavering commitment to bringing a World Series championship to Queens, the Mets' financial strategy is not just an expensive mix but a calculated investment. The long-term/guaranteed anchors position the club for a significant principal return on investment, while the short-term pop with a bit of risk involved could be an additional exciting spark. The extensive depth is an insurance hedge on the 162-game grind, reinforcing the Mets' intelligent (and financially savvy) edge in a competitive National League.