2011 MLB Trade Rumors: Mets Willing to Trade David Wright

As they continue to try and rebuild their once-proud franchise, the New York Mets are apparently willing to entertain trade offers for veteran third baseman David Wright.  Joel Sherman of the New York Post spoke with one Mets’ official that said the team “will listen on Wright for sure”.

Wright has been a staple in the Mets’ lineup since making his debut for the club in 2004.  Selected in the first round of the 2001 draft, Wright has spent his entire career with the Mets, including eight seasons in the Majors.

Already conceding that New York isn’t “going to win it all in 2012”, the Mets official said instead the club must focus on 2013-14.  By this time, New York can hope that “the Phillies get old” and they can be “in position to take advantage”.  At this point, the official believes it should be the Mets’ goal to “figure out ways to speed the process” to contending with that future date in mind.

Though Wright is only 28-years-old, the Mets may want to capitalize on his value now rather than hold onto him through years in which they are less likely to contend.  Wright is a five-time all-star and is a career .300/.380/.508 hitter.

Despite his down year in 2011, in which Wright only mustered an OPS of .771, he still carries value on the trade market.  Before last season, Wright had averaged 155 games played, 25 home runs and 104 RBI’s from 2005-2010.

According to Sherman, the Mets are focusing on the Angels as a possible trade partner this winter.  LA has shown interest in Wright in the past and has a surplus of young center fielders, and area of need for the Mets.

While Sherman concedes that Angels’ top prospect Mike Trout isn’t going anywhere, his presence does make Peter Bourjos available.  If the Mets were to trade Wright to the Angels, they would likely target Bourjos and a few of LA’s young arms.

But, even though it may make sense in the long-run, it’s unknown if the Mets will truly pursue moving Wright this winter.  They traded away Carlos Beltran this summer and are set to lose another star in Jose Reyes to free agency.  It may be hard to sell tickets in 2012 if Wright follows the others out the door, even if it is the best move for the franchise.

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