Mets general manager Sandy Alderson is unaware of how much money he'll have to pursue talent in free agency this offseason, according to the Wall Street Journal's Brian Costa.
The Mets payroll on opening day of 2012 was $94.5 million, less than two-thirds of the team's 2011 opening-day payroll of $142.8 million. Starting pitcher Johan Santana's $24 million contract was responsible for almost one quarter of the Mets' 2012 budget. His salary rises to $25.5 million next season.
The organization will attempt to sign third baseman David Wright and starting pitcher R.A. Dickey to long-term extensions this offseason. The contracts of both players are up in 2012, but both have club options for 2013.
In addition to Santana, Wright and Dickey, the Mets have significant salary committed in 2013 to Jason Bay ($18.125 million), Frank Francisco ($6.5 million) and Jon Niese ($3.05 million), with Mike Pelfrey and Andres Torres entering their final year of arbitration before hitting free agency.
