Call to the pen
Fansided

Philadelphia Phillies vs. New York Mets for 2020

By Tal Venada

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 01: Pete Alonso #20 of the New York Mets and Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies during a game at Citizens Bank Park on September 1, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 01: Pete Alonso #20 of the New York Mets and Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies during a game at Citizens Bank Park on September 1, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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Betances has moved from the Bronx to Queens. Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images. /

Dollars and sense:       

While, spending-wise, Phillies fans are unhappy, the Mets faithful believe their club doesn’t act like a big-market team. But both franchises have similar payrolls: New York is at $183.36 million to Philly’s $183.34 million. As for the $208 million CBT, the Mets are under by $7.8 million AAV to the locals’ $5.6 million AAV.

The Metropolitans increased free-agent commitments by $24.35 million: eighth in the NL. And while Betances with a $10.5 million contract received the lion’s share, the organization also signed two starters and one reliever. Yes, New York needs a center fielder, but they must trade within their financial limitations.

Like most front offices, the Mets will wait until after the first half to fix glaring deficiencies. So, will their shortcomings be in the bullpen and/or the outfield? Plus they have an aging star at the keystone and a first sacker in left field. Their version of Rhys Hoskins?

The red pinstripes’ situation is different than most because they have elected to pursue quality, not quantity. Firstly, they picked up a solid rotation arm with Wheeler and a left-handed bat with power to complement Bryce Harper in an otherwise right-heavy lineup. But the original plan was to also ink Betances.

For the stretch drive, general manager Matt Klentak can exceed the $208 million CBT by $17-18 million AAV. And he will probably deal top prospects –other than Alec Bohm and Spencer Howard— if the Fightins are either in the divisional hunt or on an extended run of .600 ball.

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