{
  "id": 9897019,
  "title": "Mets clinch last place in NL East with MLB's second-highest payroll at $357 million",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/mets-clinch-last-place-in-nl-east-with-mlbs-second-highest-payroll-at",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-26T03:22:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/article/mets-clinch-last-place-in-nl-east-with-mlbs-second-highest-payroll-at-357-million-032215379.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The New York Mets, who carry the second highest player payroll in Major League Baseball at $357 million, have been unable to avoid finishing last in the National League East this season. Their 73-87 record, which could have been as high as 75-87 or as low as 73-89 with two games left, indicates that the team's investment did not yield the expected results. In comparison, the Los Angeles Dodgers, who spent $408 million, achieved a 97-65 record. Despite the disappointing finish, the Mets have a few promising young players on the roster, including outfielder Carson Benge, starting pitcher Nolan McLean, and relief pitchers Juan Soto and Zac Thornton. However, the front office's decision-making, particularly in free agent signings and trades, has been widely criticized. Additionally, a key player, Pete Alonso, has left the team for a higher paying contract with the Orioles. Despite these setbacks, Mets fans are hoping for improvement in the next season, as it is unlikely to be worse than this year.",
  "summary": "The second-highest payroll in MLB bought the Mets a last-place finish, their first since 2003.",
  "key_points": [
    "New York Mets finish last in NL East with $357M payroll.",
    "Dodgers spend $408M, achieve 97-65 record.",
    "Mets criticized for decision-making and losing Pete Alonso."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Mets' dismal finish despite a hefty payroll underscores the team's questionable decision-making and inability to translate investment into on-field success, leaving fans to hope for improvement next season.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}