Mets Reportedly Set To Offer Third Baseman David Wright $100 Million Contract
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - David Wright is the face of the Mets' franchise, and general manager Sandy Alderson and crew have said that they want to keep the star third baseman in orange and blue for the long haul.
But how much will the financially-strapped Mets be willing to pay the six-time All-Star to keep him in Flushing?
That remains to be seen, but it appears that the front office is wasting no time in their attempt to woo the 29-year-old.
The Amazin's are expected to begin negotiations by offering Wright a contract in the vicinity of $100 million, people familiar with the situation told CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman.
New York has reached out to both Wright and potential soon-to-be Cy Young Award winner R.A. Dickey in the days following the end of the regular season, and Alderson appears committed to locking up both players to contract extensions.
The Mets will likely negotiate with the two-time Gold Glove Award winner through the end of October before entertaining the idea of shipping him to another team, Heyman reported.
In a recent interview, the Mets' all-time hits leader said that he is "extremely optimistic" that he'll be able to work out a deal with the organization.
New York holds a $16 million option for Wright for 2013, after which he'll become a free agent. The team also holds a $5 million option for Dickey, after which he, too, will become a free agent.
Recent reports have suggested that Dickey, 37, will ask for Oliver Perez money in his next contract negotiation ($36 million over three years).
The Mets drafted Wright in 2001, and he debuted with the club in 2004. He is the franchise's career RBI leader, career doubles leader, career total bases leader and career runs scored leader.
He hit .306 with 21 homers and 93 RBIs in 2012, drawing 81 walks and posting an impressive .391 on-base percentage.
$100 million won't keep David Wright in Flushing, will it? Offer your thoughts and comments in the section below...
