Mets Top MLB Spending for Third Year, $1.36 Billion Exceeds Three Teams' 21-Year Total

The New York Mets have led Major League Baseball in spending for the third consecutive season in 2024, totaling $1.36 billion in payroll and luxury tax over the past four years under owner Steve Cohen. This amount exceeds the combined spending of the Miami Marlins, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Tampa Bay Rays over the last 21 seasons. The Mets set a record with a $333.3 million regular payroll, surpassing their previous record of $319.5 million from 2023. Cohen's aggressive spending strategy includes a historic $765 million contract for outfielder Juan Soto that begins this season. Since acquiring the team in November 2020, the Mets' payroll and tax have amounted to $1.13 billion and $228.7 million, respectively. Overall MLB spending grew by 1.8% to $5.158 billion this year, marking a significant increase since the current labor contract began in 2021.