Where Does David Wright Fit With New York Mets Going Forward?

The New York Mets are on their way to a losing season, and one player who hasn’t played a role in any of the losses is their captain. Third baseman David Wright hasn’t appeared in a game this season due to a shoulder injury which has made it difficult for him to throw, and there have been almost no updates on Wright’s progress. Wright is still hoping to return this season, MetsBlog.com’s Matt Cerrone reports, but Mets’ General Manager Sandy Alderson isn’t so sure.

Alderson discussed Wright’s situation with the media recently and indicated that its hard to judge his progress since he only recently started baseball activities. Wright hasn’t appeared in a big league game since May 27th, 2016 and has only played in 75 regular season games since the start of 2015. The Mets are paying Wright $20 million this season (although they will recoup $15 million through insurance if he doesn’t play a game) and owe him another $47 million through 2020. Alderson also indicated that even if Wright can play this season there simply isn’t enough time left to evaluate whether or not he will be able to contribute in 2018.

The Mets do have Wright under contract for three more years, but with Wright having a degenerative back condition they simply cannot count on him to be a factor for them going forward. Recent reports indicated that the Mets were planning on having a discussion with Wright after the season about his future with the team, and how that discussion goes could significantly impact the Mets’ offseason plans. If Wright opts to retire, the Mets would free the remainder of his salary from the payroll and be able to use it to improve other areas of the roster. Things would be more difficult if Wright opts to return, with the Mets likely asking him to either change positions or accept a reduced role going forward.

The Mets have already hinted that they will be looking for a full time third baseman this winter, whether that comes by picking up Asdrubal Cabrera’s $8.5 million team option for 2018, trading for a starter, or signing a veteran in free agency. If Wright wants to play the Mets will need to come up with a plan for him in 2018, and one option could be handing him a first base mitt. The Mets have Dominic Smith at first base, but as they ease him into a big league role it would make sense to use a platoon at the position. Smith would start against right handed pitching, but Wright could start against lefties, allowing him to get more frequent rest and utilize his best skill set, the ability to crush left handed pitching.

First base would also be an easier position on Wright’s back, especially with the emphasis on throwing significantly reduced. Wright would then have the entire off season to prepare for playing first base, which would be more effective than simply starting him off towards the end of spring training. The situation with Wright is a delicate one, and the Mets will have to handle it with care since Wright is a franchise legend.