New York Mets: Determining the Worth of Each Met by Contracts and Stats

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Davis and Wright provide a majority of the offense for the Mets, but how much are they worth?
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Far gone are the days of the Mets recklessly spending on big-name players in free agency and trades.

The new Mets are a 'moneyball' team that builds from the farm system and chooses veterans wisely. Some veterans they will keep, and some they will trade or watch walk away.

But just how much is each Met worth?

With only four position players this year projected to make over $1 million, it's hard to complain about any value, but let's look back at players who will likely make a big impact on their 2013 roster. Let's see just how much they made per home run, run batted in and stolen base in 2012.

Check back next week as well when we examine the cost per win, save, and strikeout for the pitching staff.

C, John Buck

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2012 Salary: $6 million

Cost Per Home Run: $500 K

Cost Per RBI: $146 K

Cost Per Stolen Base: N/A

Not much bang for the buck from John Buck last year, but Buck has recorded a 20 home run and 66 RBI season in the past. The Mets would sure love to see him repeat that. But even if Buck does not pan out, Travis d'Arnaud, the main piece of the R.A. Dickey trade, will be up shortly to provide stability behind the plate.

1B, Ike Davis

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2012 Salary: $506 K

Cost Per Home Run: $16 K

Cost Per RBI: $5.6 K

Cost Per Stolen Base: N/A

Despite his early season struggles, what a value Ike was for the Mets last season. Due to his arbitration-eligible status this season, Davis' salary will jump to over $3 million in 2013, he is still an incredible value for his offensive production and underrated fielding abilities.

2B, Daniel Murphy

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2012 Salary: $512 K

Cost Per Home Run: $85 K

Cost Per RBI: $8 K

Cost Per Stolen Base: $51 K

Murphy has been an interesting player for the Mets. Though he has bounced around from the infield corners, to the outfield and second base, Murphy has always been a pretty consistent hitter. The Mets will be looking for more power than six home runs this season, but at least he has finally found a home at second base.

3B, David Wright

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2012 Salary: $15 million

Cost Per Home Run: $714 K

Cost Per RBI: $161 K

Cost Per Stolen Base: $1 million

Though these numbers may seem appallingly high, it is hard to put a price on Wright. The clear face of the franchise and one of the most likable guys in all of baseball, Wright has been a cornerstone of the franchise and was rewarded with his contract extension that will keep him with the team until 2020.

SS, Ruben Tejada

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2012 Salary: $491 K

Cost Per Home Run: $491 K

Cost Per RBI: $19.6 K

Cost Per Stolen Base: $123 K

Tejada, the 22-year-old middle infielder, still has a ways to go in terms of his offensive production. But at less than half-a-million per season, Tejada still has incredible value. His biggest asset by far is his glove. He has the potential to be the best defensive shortstop in the game.

LF, Lucas Duda

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2012 Salary: $497 K

Cost Per Home Run: $33 K

Cost Per RBI: $9 K

Cost Per Stolen Base: $497 K

Duda had a tough year last year, struggling to find his way in the outfield and taking his defensive woes with him to the plate. Expect a much improved all-around player in 2013 with the ability to make a huge impact in the middle of the Mets order.

CF, Kirk Nieuwenhuis

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2012 Salary: Unknown

Cost Per Home Run: N/A

Cost Per RBI: N/A

Cost Per Stolen Base: N/A

Due to it being his rookie season and that he only played in 91 games, it is unclear how much Nieuwenhuis actually made playing for the Mets last season. Regardless, it is clear that Nieuwenhuis made right about the league minimum, and if he can stay healthy, would be a great value in 2013.

RF, Mike Baxter

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2012 Salary: $480 K

Cost Per Home Run: $160 K

Cost Per RBI: $146 K

Cost Per Stolen Base: $28 K

Though these numbers may seem high, it's because Baxter only had 211 at-bats last year, with many of them coming as a pinch hitter. Baxter, a valuable left-handed bat, will likely be used as a platoon player due to his inexperience and that he is the weakest of the four left-handed bats in the lineup. However, he has double digit home run potential and is a warrior in the outfield.