<
>

Mets' initial 2017 payroll projection: $106.7M

Now that the team from Pace Law has projected the salaries for the New York Mets' arbitration-eligible players, let's calculate an initial 2017 payroll estimate, which includes Yoenis Cespedes opting out, Jonathon Niese's option getting declined and Justin Ruggiano getting non-tendered.

If no salary is listed below, the player is not yet eligible for arbitration or has agreed to the MLB minimum salary. And we'll use a round number of $500,000 -- just less than the 2017 MLB minimum salary.

Remember, as players are re-signed, potentially including Bartolo Colon and Neil Walker, the payroll should quickly climb. Also, don't quibble about which player is a placeholder below. Particularly in the bullpen, some of the names will be pushed off by higher-profile additions.

Rotation:

1. Jacob deGrom $4.225M

2. Matt Harvey $5.325M

3. Steven Matz

4. Noah Syndergaard

5. Zack Wheeler $1.0M

Bullpen:

6. Jeurys Familia $7.375M

7. Addison Reed $7.9M

8. Josh Edgin $725K

9. Hansel Robles

10. Josh Smoker

11. Seth Lugo

12. Erik Goeddel

Starters:

13. Travis d'Arnaud $1.9M

14. Lucas Duda $7.315M

15. Jose Reyes

16. David Wright $20M

17. Asdrubal Cabrera $8.25M

18. Michael Conforto

19. Curtis Granderson $15M

20. Jay Bruce $13M

Bench

21. Wilmer Flores $2.9M

22. Rene Rivera $2.3M

23. T.J. Rivera

24. Juan Lagares $4.5M

25. Brandon Nimmo

Projection: Before making any offseason maneuvers to add players, the Mets' payroll stands roughly at $106,715,00.

Of course, Wright's contract is 75 percent covered by insurance if he does not return, and Familia potentially could be facing a suspension, during which time the Mets would not be responsible for his salary.