UPDATE --> Timetable: Mets 2014 Payroll Expectations

As the offseason has trudged forward we have heard rumor after rumor of the Mets being priced out on a variety of players.  With $55 million dollars coming off the books, how could that even be possible?  Nonetheless, here is a look at how payroll expectations have changed over the pays five months:

6/11/13: Joel Sherman reports in the NY Post that Sandy Alderson believes the 2014 payroll will land between $90 and $100 million dollars, meaning the Alderson will have between $35 and $45 million dollars to spend.

9/30/13: ESPN's Adam Rubin reports that Alderson has roughly $35 million dollars to spend this winter, and that fans should expect the team's payroll to drop slightly from its $95 million dollar level from 2013.

11/19/13: ESPN reports that Sandy Alderson believes the 2014 payroll will be no lower than it was in 2013, using a figure of $87 million.

11/21/13: John Harper of the NY Daily News reports that Sandy Alderson has just $25 to $30 million dollars to spend this winter, which would result in an estimated payroll between  $80 and $85 million in 2014.

12/8/13: Sandy Alderson tells the team's press corp that he believes the 2014 payroll will be no lower than it was in 2013, using a figure of $85 million ($2 million less than he reported on 11/19/13).

The team's projections for next season continue to trend downward despite the recent signing of medium ticket free agent, Curtis Granderson.  Meanwhile, Fox Sports reported Ken Rosenthal reported that the Mets do not have a strict offseason budget.  So is this more smoke and mirrors from the Sandy Alderson front office, or have things changed yet again.  We'll have a better idea by the end of this week in Orlando.

Four Years For Curtis Granderson?

Also, Granderson has been seeking a four-year deal.
— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) December 3, 2013

With Fox's Ken Rosenthal breaking the news that the Sandy Alderson met with free agent outfielder Curtis Granderson on Sunday, the Mets fan base was immediately sent into a tizzy yesterday afternoon.  An offseason left for dead, was it possible that the Mets would suddenly land what many would consider to be the biggest power hitter on the free agent market?

Probably not, as Krister Ackert soon reported that no deal was imminent, but that's really not the issue at hand.  As shown above, Mike Puma reported last night that Curtis Granderson still seeks at four year deal.  So what do you think?  Would you issue a four year contract to player who will be thirty-three when he reports to spring training next year?

It all comes down to the price tag for me.  I wouldn't hesitate to give Granderson a four year deal, provided its within reason.  With the exception of 2013, during which he suffered two separate fractures upon being hit by pitches, Granderson has appeared in 136 games or more in every season since 2006.  His health has been sound.  He provides both some speed, and most importantly the potential to hit 30+ home runs. Remember.. as we've written here before, his power should translate well to Citi Field.

So whats the right number?  There are some rumblings that it will take 4 years and $60 million dollars to land Granderson.  That's a deal I'd make in a heartbeat.  I think that number ends up being low.  I suspect if he does sign for just four years, its more along the lines of $70 to $75 million.  That only scares me because I don't think that's a realm the Mets would dare to enter.  That's really what this comes down to.