The New York Mets are done with financial woes

The New York Mets failed to sign free agent centerfielder Michael Bourn, as he signed a contract with the Cleveland Indians earlier this week. Missing out on Bourn means that the Mets will hold onto their 11^th overall draft pick in 2013 MLB draft. Bourn would have boosted the Mets inexperienced outfield, but the team remains in a good financial position going forward.

Earlier today, Mets’ principle owner Fred Wilpon claimed that the team’s payroll would no longer be affected by the organization’s involvement in a lawsuit as a result of the Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi scheme. General manager Sandy Alderson also cut nearly $50 million in payroll last season, as the team continues to get younger and cheaper. The Mets are not contenders this season, but will certainly have the financial flexibility to become one within the next few.

Alderson has been methodical in his approach to rebuilding this team. He has gotten rid of the bad contracts the team had when he took the job. He also made the correct decision in signing face of the franchise, David Wright, to a long-term deal. In a similar situation, Alderson was not reckless in re-signing fan favorite yet inconsistent and often-injured, Jose Reyes to a huge deal.  Not signing Bourn is disappointing, but it will not change Alderson’s approach. He will continue to sign the right players for the right price.

The Mets will have money to spend on top free agents as soon as next off-season. However, this does not mean they will resort back to being reckless spenders as they were under former general manager Omar Minaya. Having more money to spend has not always been a good thing for the Mets in the past, but they will have the chance to add free agents to a team with some pieces in place, and become a playoff contender once again.