The Mets are expected to lose $23 million this season, which represents two-thirds less than the franchise lost last year.

However, the reduction in losses isn't enough to support a major increase in payroll for the 2013 campaign.

A source indicated that the Mets may continue to cut their losses, perhaps dipping just $15 million into the red next year.

The Mets cut their 2012 payroll by $50 million from 2011, to about $100 million.