David Wright: I Want To Stay With Mets; Contract A Major Trade Obstacle
NEW YORK (WFAN) -- David Wright could find himself on the Mets' trading block after this season, especially if the team decides to make a run at re-signing Jose Reyes, according to reports.
Wright's love affair with New York is apparent. His contract might just prove to be the obstacle that keeps him at Citi Field's hot corner.
"I think it's well documented that I enjoy playing here. I really love playing baseball in New York and hope I can do that for a long time," he said Thursday during an appearance at a Ronald McDonald House fundraiser at the South Street Seaport, according to the New York Daily News. "Unfortunately some of that is out of my hands. If something happens I would be disappointed, but, at the same time, it's something I can't control."
Wright, on the disabled list since May 16 with a stress fracture in his lower back, said getting back on the field is his "sole concern right now."
"I feel really good," he said. "As far as I am concerned he rehab is going very well."
But if the Mets decide to shop their homegrown face of the franchise, they'll face a major obstacle trying to get maximum return -- Wright's contract.
According to the Daily News' Andy Martino, Wright's $16 million team option for 2013 belongs exclusively to New York.
"If the Mets trade Wright this offseason, the acquiring club would control him for just one year," wrote Martino, "with no contract option for 2013. Wright would become a free agent after next season."
If the Mets can only offer Wright as a one-year rent-a-player, can the franchise expect to land a top-notch package of prospects for the All-Star third baseman?
And if not, will the fan base go insane?
"This contract provision perhaps explains why the team has not, according to sources, actively discussed shopping Wright," Martino added. "The speculation that they might do so was based on the incorrect but widespread assumption that the acquiring team would enjoy his talents for two years."
One thing's for sure. Tough decisions are ahead for Mets general manager Sandy Alderson if he's indeed pressed to cut payroll up to 30 percent, as indicated last week by owner Fred Wilpon.
Especially if Wright and Reyes want to stay in New York.
"This sort of thing really bothers David," one Mets employee close to Wright told Martino. "Especially now, when he's already frustrated that he isn't playing. He follows this stuff, and he wants to stay here."
Mets fans: What would you need in return to trade Wright? Fire away in the comments below...
