Mets ability to avoid arbitration with everyone is an important win

For the second straight year, the New York Mets avoided going to arbitration with all eligible players. It’s a big win for their relationship with the players.

The arbitration deadline has passed for Major League Baseball which means all players eligible have either reached new deals or are working with their agents to hype themselves up in the coming weeks. For the second straight year, the New York Mets and all arbitration-eligible players agreed to deals, thus avoiding what could be a harsh process.

The idea behind arbitration and player contracts is a good thing. Teams can control players for a few extra years after their rookie deals while allowing them to get paid a more deserving salary.

Around baseball, things don’t always go as smoothly as it did with the Mets this winter. There are some notable men headed to arbitration while the Mets can relax for the second straight year knowing all of their players are locked up on deals they’re at least comfortable with.

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That’s not to say all players are ecstatic about their new contract. However, by avoiding arbitration, we have to at least assume there’s no fracture in the player/front office relationship.

When a player and team go to arbitration, it doesn’t always mean the two sides are becoming enemies. Often, it can even result in a longer deal.

Nevertheless, something Brodie Van Wagenen has been successful at during his time as the Mets’ General Manager is avoiding this process. It’s a good thing for the players and organization especially when we consider how many key members are headed toward free agency in the next two seasons.

By showing the players some financial respect now, the Mets could benefit later.

Meanwhile, George Springer and the Houston Astros (not a band), J.T. Realmuto and the Philadelphia Phillies (also not a band), and Josh Hader and the Milwaukee Brewers (maybe a band one day) all see things much differently than the Mets and their players do. Interestingly enough, all three of them have at some point been linked to the Mets in some way or another through trade. The former two each reach free agency next winter.

Marcus Stroman is the member of the current roster BVW needs to think about most in terms of his future with the club. He will get $12 million in 2020, his final year of arbitration eligibility.

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Next year, it’s Michael Conforto and Noah Syndergaard we will have to think about more. Another year of avoiding arbitration could go a long way.