Part 7/11:
Ryan proposes that the Mets push for a three- or four-year deal with deferred money—possibly in the $80 million range over four years with deferred payments to lower the immediate AAV. This provides Diaz with security while allowing the Mets to stay under the luxury tax threshold and allocate resources elsewhere.
He admits that adding deferred payments could help Diaz approach or surpass his 2022 earnings, making the deal more palatable.
Team Building & Financial Outlook
Ryan examines the Mets’ current payroll landscape, estimating their luxury tax projection at about $249 million, just shy of a $300 million threshold for 2024. He discusses how signing Alonso and Diaz to structured deals would bring the total payroll close to $295 million, leaving room for other additions.