Wright 'Extremely Optimistic' About Long-Term Deal With Mets
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Ask any Mets fan about David Wright, and chances are they'll make a case for No. 5 to stay in Flushing.
Well, good news.
Wright doesn't think he'll go the way of fellow homegrown star Jose Reyes -- that is, out of town.
"I'm extremely optimistic," he told CBSSports.com of signing a long-term contract extension with New York. "I've really enjoyed it here."
The 29-year-old third baseman has a $16 million team option for 2013 with a $1 million buyout. The Mets will get one exclusive shot this offseason at re-signing Wright, who won't negotiate during this season or next.
Last month, Wright told the New York Post that the "money issue" probably won't be the "deciding factor" as he heads into extension talks. Instead, the decision could come down to his chances of winning a championship.
Despite another lost season, Wright told CBSSports.com that the Mets (64-72) have taken "small steps in the right direction and have something to build on."
"There's not a single complaint that I have," he said. "(The Mets) drafted me as a kid. They developed me. They've given me an opportunity to make a living playing a game. There's a tremendous amount of mutual respect. They've gone above and beyond."
Perhaps the most telling comment from the once-overlooked kid from Norfolk, Va., who described himself as a "loyal person," came in reference to his boyhood hero.
"My favorite player was Cal Ripken," said Wright. "The biggest reason for that was, I like that he stayed."
How confident are you that Wright will remain in Queens? Be heard in the comments below!
