Mets' Projected 2027 Payroll Has a $37 Million Catch

The New York Mets have plenty of decisions to make this offseason.

As they determine how to allocate their resources, however, one particularly expensive decision rests with Bo Bichette.

FanGraphs' RosterResource currently projects the Mets' 2027 payroll at approximately $236.1 million, but that number comes with a significant catch.

The projection includes the $5 million buyout Bichette would receive if he opts out of his contract rather than the $42 million salary he would receive if he returns in 2027, according to Heavy.

That's a $37 million difference.

If Bichette returns and his $42 million salary replaces the $5 million buyout in that calculation, that projected payroll would rise by $37 million to approximately $273.1 million.

That helps illustrate how much Bichette's looming decision could affect New York's offseason plans.

Bichette signed a three-year, $126 million contract with the Mets before the 2026 season that includes player options for both 2027 and 2028.

He can opt out of the final two years and receive a $5 million buyout, potentially making him one of the top position players available on the free-agent market.

The Mets are waiting to learn what Bichette will decide, but the consequences extend beyond whether New York needs to replace him in the lineup.

His decision could significantly change the team's financial starting point entering an important offseason.

There are different ways to calculate the Mets' commitments.

SNY, using Cot's Contracts, recently estimated New York has approximately $255 million committed for 2027 before arbitration raises. That calculation already includes Bichette's $42 million salary.

The Mets also have 10 arbitration-eligible players, including Francisco Alvarez, Brett Baty, Tylor Megill and Mark Vientos. MLB Trade Rumors' projections would add approximately $19 million if New York tendered contracts to all 10 players at roughly those projected salaries.

Those decisions could change the final number considerably.

What isn't in question is that the Mets have work to do.

New York entered the offseason with questions throughout its roster after another disappointing season, and president of baseball operations David Stearns will have to determine where upgrades are most necessary.

The Mets have the financial resources to make significant moves, but their actual starting point remains unsettled.

And $37 million of that uncertainty currently rests with Bichette.