Fred Wilpon says Mets financial issues behind them
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No need to worry Mets fans, your club is not burdened by financial problems anymore. They’ve just yet to actually show it.
Owner Fred Wilpon met with the media yesterday for the first time as spring training opened in Port St. Lucie, Fla.
“It’s all in the rearview mirror,” Wilpon told reporters yesterday. “The family is in great shape. The family really is in great shape.”
Wilpon touted his improved economic standing since settling with the trust for Bernie Madoff, saying his real estate business is doing better as is the team’s network, SNY.
The Mets have slashed payroll recently, however, from $142 million in 2011 to just $94 million last season. That number will be approximately the same in 2013. They signed no major free agents in the offseason, though they did pursue Michael Bourn, before he chose to sign with the Indians earlier this week.
“I think we would anticipate being big investors [next offseason] if that were appropriate,” Wilpon said. “That depends on what the market is.”
