Mets' Updated Payroll, Lineup, Rotation After Freddy Peralta, Luis Robert Trades

The New York Mets made another splash on Wednesday, trading for star pitcher Freddy Peralta to headline their rotation.

The Mets are continuing to add salary at a breakneck pace this winter, with Spotrac updating the team's payroll figure:

When the dust settles, the team's estimated tax bill of $133.2 million could take the team's total outlay to $520.7 million. Only the Los Angeles Dodgers ($573.8) are projected to exceed that number.

The team's rotation locks appear to be Peralta, Nolan McLean, David Peterson and Clay Holmes, while Kodai Senga and Sean Manaea will battle for the fifth spot. Tobias Myers will get a look as well and could settle into the long man role out of the bullpen, while Jonah Tong could be called upon if injuries strike.

The lineup, meanwhile, looks potent after the offseason additions of Bo Bichette, Jorge Polanco, Luis Robert Jr. and Marcus Semien. While the losses of Pete Alonso and Brandon Nimmo have to be factored in, the projected lineup looks solid:

• 1. Francisco Lindor, SS
• 2. Juan Soto, RF
• 3. Bo Bichette, 3B
• 4. Jorge Polanco, 1B
• 5. Marcus Semien, 2B
• 6. Brett Baty, DH
• 7. Luis Robert Jr., CF
• 8. Francisco Álvarez, C
• 9. Carson Benge, LF

There are questions marks, of course. Bichette and Polanco will be playing entirely new positions. Robert had a .657 OPS in 2023 and a .661 OPS in 2024, though he'll be a defensive upgrade in centerfield. Semien's power numbers have continued to decline over the past few years, though his defense will also be welcomed.

But the Mets needed to make changes after last season's disappointment and they've done that in spades. Peralta, a two-time All-Star who has struck out over 200 batters in three straight seasons, is arguably their most important addition.