Entering a free agency period where the New York Mets have plenty of areas to address, it’s comforting to know that they rank second in the league in desirability for free agents, at least according to Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer.

His ranking comes after evaluating three parameters: the team’s payroll situation, its contention window, and the quality of life as a player of the team. Luckily for Mets fans, they rank highly in every category.

New York has a bunch of money coming off the books this season, with a projected payroll of just $235 million. Implying $235 million isn’t a huge amount is a bit ridiculous, but for owner Steve Cohen’s standards, he has a bunch of room to work with. Last season, the Mets had an estimated payroll of $340 million, so it’s clear that they have a lot of money to work with this offseason.

Cohen isn’t shy about spending, and a season in which New York missed the playoffs doesn’t change that mindset one bit. After spending $765 million on Juan Soto last season, you’d be foolish to believe that now, of all times, the Mets are going to hold back on spending money. After a historic collapse last season, expect Cohen and the Mets to go all out to try to erase the memory of last season.

In terms of their ability to contend now and in the future, New York is in an optimal spot. They have a core that is capable of making the playoffs year after year, while nurturing one of the best farm systems in the league. Even with questions surrounding the return of closer Edwin Diaz and first baseman Pete Alonso, the Mets will surely be fighting for the division and in playoff contention come the end of next season.

The Mets also have the advantage of playing their baseball in New York. Despite the high cost of living, it’s no secret that playing in the Big Apple is a big motivation for athletes. Playing in the country’s biggest city and reaping the benefits of doing so only adds to the allure of becoming a Met.

New York is set up perfectly to make significant moves this offseason to get them back into the playoffs next season. Whether it’s bringing in players via free agency or using their highly ranked farm system to trade for stars like starting pitcher Tarik Skubal, you can count on a lot of noise happening in Queens this winter.