The New York Mets led the major leagues in spending for the third straight season in 2024 and have totaled $1.36 billion in payroll and luxury tax over four years under owner Steve Cohen, exceeding what the Marlins, Pirates and Rays each have spent on players in the past 21 seasons. The Mets established a […]
In 2024, the New York Mets led MLB in spending for the third consecutive year with a $333.3 million payroll, a record. Under owner Steve Cohen (since November 2020), the Mets' spending on payroll and luxury tax over four years ($1.36 billion) exceeded the 21-year payroll totals of the Marlins, Pirates, and Rays. Overall MLB spending increased, but payroll disparities are significant, with teams like Oakland and Pittsburgh spending considerably less than the Mets. Spending correlates with success, as playoff teams accounted for a large portion of total spending. Some teams significantly raised payroll while others drastically reduced it.
