Report: Mets Could Exceed Record $300 Million Payroll in 2022

The New York Mets could look to continue their spending spree they started before the MLB lockout began on December 2. The Mets and their new owner, Steve Cohen, have shown that they will spend money and aren't afraid to acquire players they feel will help the team win right now.
MLB Insider Jon Heyman reported that New York could consider adding another "significant" pitcher and hitter after the current lockout comes to a close.
Have heard Mets might consider signing another significant pitcher and hitter once the lockout ends, on top of Scherzer, Marte, Canha and Escobar. If so $270M payroll could approach $300M.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 31, 2022
The Mets already made splashes this offseason when they signed starting pitcher Max Scherzer to a three-year, $130 million contract. While that may be enough for a team looking to contend, they also added center fielder Starling Marte to a four-year, $78 million contract.
With plenty of big bats still on the market in Kris Bryant, Kyle Schwarber, and Carlos Correa, the Mets very well could blow past the $300 million mark. They would eclipse all MLB rivals in current spending if this were to occur.
Other top pitchers available that could help bolster their rotation include Carlos Rodon, Zack Greinke, and even Clayton Kershaw.
Regardless, the Mets are sending a clear message that they not only want to compete in 2022, they have their eyes set on winning the World Series.
More From SI's Inside The Phillies:
- How Did These Former Phillies Do on the Hall of Fame Ballot?
- What If Ryan Howard Never Tore His Achilles?
- Should the Phillies Pursue this Trade With Milwaukee?
Make sure to follow Inside the Phillies on Facebook and Twitter!

Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Phillies. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl. During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated. Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.