Yes, it’s still early in the 2026 Major League Baseball season. Through Sunday’s games, most teams have played just 17% of the 162-game schedule. But it is getting late in a hurry for two of the teams expected to compete for a World Series this October.  The New York Mets have committed $370 million on player payroll this year, with well over $100 million in luxury tax penalties. The Philadelphia Phillies have committed $290 million to player payroll this year, plus luxury tax penalties.