In his first big move as New York Mets general manager, Brodie Van Wagenen was able to improve the team while simultaneously saving money in the short-term. The trade for Robinson Cano and Edwin Diaz brought the team’s 2019 payroll to just under $130 million when accounting for arbitration estimates and cost-controlled players.
Since the trade, Van Wagenen has turned to the free agent market to improve his new club, signing relief pitcher—and former Mets closer—Jeurys Familia and All-Star catcher Wilson Ramos to fairly reasonable deals.