PITTSBURGH — The New York Mets' opening-day payroll this season is projected to be $345.1 million, according to Cot's Baseball Contracts. That is $74 million more than the New York Yankees will spend as the next-highest-paying team. The Mets also are expected to pay nearly $100 million in luxury tax, more than the payrolls of nine MLB clubs, including the one you follow.
A lot of people who love baseball find that offensive.
The Pirates' opening-day payroll is projected at $71.8 million. The Penguins' payroll this season — in a capped league, no less — is $96.4 million.