The Wilpons must raise their payroll for 2020.
They surely want to hear that as much as Art Howe is returning as manager, Al Harazin as GM and Bernie Madoff as chief financial officer.
But if the Mets want to contend next year — and they do — then it is going to be hard to construct a playoff roster without lifting the payroll. Consider:
1. They began last season with a $158 million payroll. That included $44 million for Yoenis Cespedes and David Wright, though neither played an inning and the Mets reportedly got back 75 percent in insurance minus premium costs.