New York Mets Preparing David Wright Long-Term Extension

The New York Mets are prepared to offer third baseman David Wright a long-term contract extension, according to Brian Costa of the Wall Street Journal.  Costa said that the Mets are “quietly preparing” an offer for Wright that would keep him in New York for years to come.

Wright was taken in the first round of the 2001 MLB Draft by New York and has spent the last nine seasons with the Mets.  Currently the face of the Mets franchise, Wright owns a career line of .303/.383/.510.

After a disappointing 2011 (.254/.345/.427), Wright has been on fire to start the 2012 campaign.  Over his first 31 games and 115 at-bats Wright has hit at a clip of .400/.489/.591 with 13 extra base hits, 24 runs scored and 21 RBIs.

Wright is in the last guaranteed year of his current contract, though the Mets hold a $16 million option on Wright for the 2013 season.

According to Costa, the Mets and general manager Sandy Alderson are hoping to get extension talks going with Wright before the winter.  Alderson has made it seem like the club is not interested in trading Wright this summer.  However, if contract talks don’t point to an extension between Wright and the Mets eventually being reached, New York could look to deal their All-Star third baseman this winter.

Wright has indicated that he’d like to remain with the Mets long-term, just as former teammate Jose Reyes did last season.  While Reyes went on to sign a lucrative free agent contract with the Miami Marlins, Costa believes things will be different with Wright.

Besides last season, Wright has a track record as a durable player, something Reyes couldn’t boast.  Reyes also had a more questionable on-the-field attitude and some went as far as questioning his heart and desire.  This hasn’t been an issue with Wright.

Costa also noted that when Reyes left the Mets still had Wright.  If Wright would depart via trade or free agency the Mets would lack a true face of their franchise.

While the Mets don’t expect Wright to simply go after the highest-paying contract available to him like Reyes did, Costa does estimate that it will take something near the six-year, $100 million deal the Washington Nationals gave third baseman Ryan Zimmerman to keep Wright in New York.

For more on the Mets be sure to check out Rising Apple.

You can follow Call to the Pen on Twitter at @FSCalltothePen or like us here on Facebook.