Mets GM Sandy Alderson explains why players pay for optional training

It came to light earlier this month that Mets players had to pay nearly all costs for their own offseason workout program at the team's complex in Florida, raising questions about the program. Mets general manager Sandy Alderson explained to The New York Times why players fund their own workouts, which are "optional" but are attended by minor leaguers as well as major league stars like David Wright.

After it came to light earlier this month that Mets players had to pay nearly all costs for an offseason workout program at the team's complex in Florida, a number of questions were raised about the nature of the program.

Mets general manager Sandy Alderson explained to The New York Times why players fund their own workouts, which are "optional" but are attended by minor leaguers as well as major league stars like David Wright. 

Alderson told TheNew York Times that the Mets were spending $100,000 to help pay for the program, which is run by Mets strength and conditioning director Mike Barwis. Alderson also said that the team strategically decided that letting players pay for their own workout program would have benefits. 

“We didn’t cover all the costs because we want the players themselves to be invested in their careers and in their offseason development,” Alderson said, according to The Times. “We want them to have something at risk as far as their commitment is concerned."

Alderson called the program a "good deal" for players, though he also said it's not a "free lunch." 

Major league stars like David Wright pay the full cost of the program, while minor leaguers pay less, according to the report. 

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- Stanley Kay