The Mets’ reconnection to their history under owner Steve Cohen will mean an increased alumni presence in spring training.

David Wright, Edgardo Alfonzo, Darryl Strawberry, Mookie Wilson, Howard Johnson, John Franco and Al Leiter make up the roster of guest instructors the team will bring to camp, according to manager Buck Showalter.

A notable absentee will be Mike Piazza, who is managing Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic.

Franco’s appearance at camp will be his first in several years. Johnson returned to the Mets family last season, following a rift with the previous regime that had kept him separated from the franchise following his firing as the team’s hitting coach after the 2010 season.

Multiple MLB owners are worried after New York Mets owner Steve Cohen went on an unprecedented shopping spree in free agency this offseason.

Some owners are reportedly concerned they won’t be able to compete for players and, inevitably, in games.

Other owners were fine with Cohen signing Edwin Diaz, Brandon Nimmo, and Justin Verlander but thought landing Carlos Correa was “over the top.”

New York Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner said that Cohen’s spending was something that had to be “looked at” after the latter  dished out over $800 million to free agents.

The Mets’ total payroll for 2023 currently stands at around $500 million, which includes a luxury-tax penalty of over $100 million. Meanwhile, the Yankees have the second-highest projected payroll in baseball but are still 33% behind their crosstown rivals.

Cohen is by far the wealthiest MLB owner, with an estimated net worth of $17.4 billion.

It’s no secret that Giants QB Daniel Jones wants a massive payday after a career-defining year. The drama comes in where the Giants can only use their franchise tag on either Jones or star RB Saquon Barkley, two guys they absolutely need to pay.

Jones is looking for greater than $45 million a year on his new deal, which would put him in the company of the following: Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Kyler Murray, Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson. Josh Allen, Matt Stafford, and Dak Prescott all earn north of $40 million. 

If the Giants decide to franchise tag Jones he would earn over $32 million a year. Still impressive, but well below his ask. Throwing over 3,000 yards and rushing for over 700 while leading New York to the playoffs has certainly convinced Jones that he’s a top-tier player.