Apparently one thing the Mets will look into is the trade market for All-Star third baseman David Wright.
The New York Post's Joel Sherman reports that the Mets will likely at least explore the market for Wright, but there's not a good chance he'll be moved.
"We'll explore Wright's market," a team official told Sherman. "I think considering where we are as an organization, it would be foolish not to at least look at it. However, I expect actually pulling the trigger is a long shot."
The Mets have had reported financial issues, so moving Wright could make sense. He's guaranteed $15 million for the 2012 season, and New York also has a team option for 2013. If they don't renew that option, they're on the hook for a $1 million buyout.
New York could decide that it wants to keep Wright around and build around him as the franchise cornerstone. That makes even more sense as he's just 29, and shortstop Jose Reyes is a free agent this offseason. It's unlikely Reyes will return, especially given the team's financial woes.
However, if the Mets decide to give Wright another extension (he got a six-year, $55 million extension in 2006), it may not be money well spent.
"The industry values David Wright as a good to very good player who might already be trending the wrong way and is about to get very expensive," an AL source told Sherman. "A lot of teams like the Rockies and Angels need a third baseman. But still the return package will be good, not great, and can the Mets sell a good, not great return to a fan base that still thinks Wright is a superstar?"
Not counting his first season in the bigs, Wright put up career lows in games, batting average and RBIs in 2011. A change of scenery would likely benefit Wright, who has seen his power numbers dip since the Mets moved into Citi Field in 2009. He averaged 29 home runs per season in his first four seasons, and since the Mets have moved into the spacious new digs, Wright has hit just 53 homers in the last three years.
