Mets sign GM Sandy Alderson to 3-year extension; Terry Collins to return in 2015

The New York Mets are fighting for their first second-place finish in six years, and general manager Sandy Alderson is reaping the rewards.

Mets chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon announced the club has agreed to a three-year extension with Alderson that will keep the GM in the Big Apple through 2017. The club also confirmed manager Terry Collins will return next season after exercising his option.

"We are excited about the direction the team is headed and look forward to Sandy continuing his efforts to build the Mets into a postseason contender," Wilpon said in a statement released Tuesday.

Wilpon added that Alderson will have payroll flexibility for trades and free-agent signings.

The Mets are finishing strong, winners in 12 of their last 18, despite injuries to key players such as right-hander Matt Harvey and third baseman David Wright. Entering play Tuesday, the Mets (76-80) are tied for second place in the National League East and in striking distance of their first 80-win season since 2008.

Although the Mets appear destined for their sixth straight losing season, a talented, young nucleus has the team thinking big.

"I don't think we're that far away," Alderson said. "I don't know whether there will be a dramatic spike (in payroll) or not."

Alderson, 66, previously hinted this offseason won't be as busy as last winter, when he inked free agents Curtis Granderson and Bartolo Colon to multi-year deals. Still, the club enters 2015 with a deep staff featuring Harvey, Zack Wheeler, Rookie-of-the-Year candidate Jacob deGrom and veteran mainstays like Colon, Jon Niese and Dillon Gee.