but it's not the norm. It's 25-50% higher than the norm. Pressley got $15M but with options after 2 years. Iglesias $14.5M. Hendricks $13M, Will Smith $13M.
I know what you are saying (and Diaz is currently better and younger than these guys were), you have to pay for elite players. But I don't believe there is only one way to build a roster. If 2 years of 37 year old Daniel Bard get you a 2 win upgrade elsewhere. The Mets with a tough to repeat season from Diaz, were the 11th best pen last year. They have just paid $21M and still have a dumpster fire. As a standalone signing it's fine. But man Eppler has a job to do with that team. They could be a 3rd luxury tax threshold team and be worse than last year. At least after next year they get Cano off the books.