Part 12/14:
The Significance of Long-Term Contracts and the Lockout
One of the underlying issues complicating offseason moves is the looming possibility of a lockout and potential salary cap implementation. Long-term contracts for players like Corey Seager, Catel Marte, and Brandon Nimmo are under scrutiny, as the new CBA negotiations could reshape how teams operate financially.
Teams are wary of hefty, long-term deals, especially for injury-prone or aging players, given the risk of future decline and the possibility of salary cap restrictions. The Mets, with the deepest payroll in baseball, are likely to pursue aggressive moves—trades, signings, and strategic contract structuring—to stay competitive while managing long-term financial commitments.