in total , the Major League FA (free agent) market is particularly hot this year. Although the major contracts have not yet been completed, the total amount of contracts as of the 15th is approaching $3 billion (approximately 3.91 trillion won). Barriers to negotiations, such as labor-management conflicts that caused workplace closures last year, have disappeared, and each club has a thick wallet. According to MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, the league’s overall revenue for the 2022 season reached $11 billion (approximately 14.34 trillion won). It surpassed $10.7 billion (approximately 13.94 trillion won) of the 2019 season before the corona crisis.
◇Most Expensive Team New York Mets
The most active team in this Stove League is the New York Mets of the Eastern District of the National League (NL). The Mets, whose last World Series championship was in 1986, missed the district title even after winning 101 wins (61 losses) in the regular league in the 2022 season. In the wild card series, the San Diego Padres lost 1 win and 2 losses, ending the season in vain.
As soon as the market opened, the Mets, who were eager to win, poured out large contracts every day. Within the team, closer Edwin Dias signed a five-year, $102 million contract, breaking the record for the highest paid pitcher ever, and outfielder Brandon Nemo signed an eight-year, $162 million contract.
External recruitment did not stop. Justin Verlander, a pitcher about to turn 40, was boldly recruited for two years, $86.67 million, left-hander Jose Quintana (2 years, $26 million), Japanese pitcher Senga Godai (5 years, $75 million), and right-hander David Robertson (1 year, $10 million). ), etc. were also brought. The Mets reportedly showed interest in Correa before he left for the San Francisco Giants.
The Mets are expected to keep their ‘most expensive team’ spot despite sending ace Jacob deGrom to the Texas Rangers. The New York Post said, 토토“The Mets’ annual salary for next year is $325.18 million based on the contracts signed so far, and if you add $58.2 million in luxury tax, it will be almost $383.4 million.” It could exceed $400 million,” he said. The Mets also recruited Max Scherzer and Starling Marte last offseason, and this year’s team salary was estimated to be 1st or 2nd overall, but next year, the overwhelming lead among 30 MLB teams is likely.
◇The real winner is Ohtani?
Famous American baseball journalist Ken Rosensall analyzed, “The progress of the Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego Padres in this postseason gave other clubs hope and motivated them to spend more money.” The two teams that stimulated the other teams also opened their wallets. The Phillies, the same district as the Mets, signed shortstop Trey Turner for 11 years and $300 million, and pitcher Taiwanese Walker for 4 years and $72 million.
The Padres, who belong to the NL West, signed shortstop Xander Bogarts to an 11-year, $280 million contract. The New York Times said, “The Padres recruited Bogarts even though they already have two shortstops, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Kim Ha-seong, and before that, they also considered signing Turner (who signed a contract with the Phillies).”
As the market overheats, attention is already focused on Shohei Ohtani (LA Angels), the league’s top star. Ohtani will be eligible for free agency after the season next year. It is known that the Los Angeles Dodgers and others are targeting him. The Athletic said, “The biggest winner of this market may be Ohtani. How much will it cost to take Ohtani when other players are getting this much?”