90 million combined–Can the Mets handle Verlander, Scherzer?

The Mets have spent an astronomical amount of money, but the results have been mixed. The Mets will have to give up sunk costs and try to get at least a modest return, but that’s not easy.

The New York Mets have a combined payroll of $350 million this season. That’s a lot more than the second-place New York Yankees ($280 million). They’re the biggest spender of the 30 clubs, but with a 46-53 record, they have a winning percentage of less than 5%. They are 18.5 games behind first place Atlanta in the division. They’ll have to overcome a seven-game deficit if they want to make a run at a wild card. To put it bluntly, the chances of fall baseball are slim.

The Mets signed free-agent right-hander Justin Verlander for two years and $86 million before the season, and Max Scherzer for three years and $130 million the year before. It’s a one-two punch of two of the best right-handers in baseball, but it hasn’t been as dominant as expected. This season, Verlander is 4-5 with a 3.47 ERA and Scherzer is 8-4 with a 4.20 ERA.

MLB.com reported that the Mets have been strung out as sellers in the trade market since their loss to Boston on April 23. In essence, the team has decided that fall baseball is out of reach.안전놀이터

Verlander and Scherzer are the biggest sellers, but both have former club trade vetoes. San Francisco and others have shown interest in them, but if the players opt out, they can’t be traded. MLB.com estimates that the Mets would have to take on half of their remaining salaries to trade them, and even then, it’s unlikely to happen. Verlander is due $43.3 million next year. Scherzer is also guaranteed $43.3 million next year if he doesn’t opt out.