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
5. Zack Wheeler $1.0M
Bullpen:
6. Jeurys Familia $7.375M
7. Addison Reed $7.9M
8. Josh Edgin $725K
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.