Mets set to get $71 million worth of good news after 2026 season

The New York Mets have not had a great season in 2026, sitting at the bottom of the NL East, and the entire Major League Baseball standings through Mother's Day.

Although the 2026 season may not unfold as planned, there is still hope for the team's future. And it all can begin next offseason.

As ESPN's Kiley McDaniel highlighted, the Mets will be getting $71 million worth of good news after the 2026 season, with a few key players hitting free agency to free up a ton of money from their books.

"The roster overhaul from the winter isn't working right now," McDaniel writes, "but they have a little over $71 million likely to come off the books, with Bichette's potential opt-out  of a $42 million salary a big variable not included in that figure."

But, with the Mets set to see a lot of key players hit free agency, why is this good news for the franchise? Well, they have prospects ready to take their place, and can still bring back a few of the top options if needed as well.

Mets have $71 million in good news coming after 2026

Freddy Peralta, Clay Holmes, David Peterson, Luis Robert Jr., and Brooks Raley are all hitting the open market. Bo Bichette might even join them if he opts out of his deal.

Overall, the Mets could free up a significant amount of financial space with the departure of these veterans in free agency this upcoming offseason.

And with Jack Wenninger and Jonah Tong potentially ready for MLB spots, the Mets have cheap options ready to replace those expensive veterans.

MORE: 75% of Mets' infielders named among biggest disappointments in MLB at their positions

But if they wanted to bring back someone like Peralta or Robert, they could do so. Even though 2026 has been a disaster, there's a path to a quick fix next offseason.

Of course, getting the $42 million back from Bichette would be great as well, as the Mets then could make an even greater change to the roster. But his struggles right now likely point to Bichette staying on his deal.

 This $71 million, set to be freed up once free agency begins next offseason, is some good news for the Mets. It wouldn't be ideal if they lost every one of their veterans to free agency, but getting the financial flexibility is a big win after so much spending this year.

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