Something strange happened the other night for the Mets. Travis d’Arnaud made his first career start at third base for the team. Although he rotated often with Asdrubal Cabrera, the fact of the matter is that he started there. By doing this, the team could be subtly sending a message that the position is potentially up for grabs for next season. Are the Mets preparing for a David Wright-less near future? All the signs point to the answer being a yes.
As we all know, statistical prowess is not what is holding Wright back. He is the all-time leader for many offensive categories for the Mets. He was an unstoppable force for the team at third base from the late 2000’s to until about 2014. Wright was then diagnosed with Spinal Stenosis, which has impacted his ability to play the game mightily. He has been prevented from playing this season due to a shoulder impingement which has limited his throwing ability. This creates an obvious problem for him potentially playing third base. His throws were starting to suffer before the shoulder injury, add in that injury and it may not be a reality that Wright can make the long throw across the diamond.
The Mets have not only suffered from not having the leadership of Wright on the field, but also not having a consistent option at third base all season. Even General Manager Sandy Alderson has been quoted griping about the situation. In an article by Mike Puma of the New York Post, Alderson stated ““We don’t have an everyday, top-shelf third-base option the way some teams do…Not that we have played terribly at third base, but we didn’t go into the season with a solidified situation in part because we weren’t sure what David’s condition would be.”
It remains unseen if Wright would be able to play another position, besides making an occasional pinch hitting appearance. It would be an inopportune time for him to try his hand at first base, with Dom Smith finally up in the big leagues. There have been recent rumors that the Mets would be willing to look for a third baseman in the trade market. Steven Matz, who has had his fair share of struggles on the season, is rumored to be a central trade chip if they were to pursue a trade option at third base. Matz, a young lefty, has put together a rather unimpressive string of starts as of late. His age and contract control could possibly enticing to a team willing to dangle a third baseman. He is 26, and under team control until 2021.
The New York Mets organization has been
slowly putting off the end of Wright’s career. Ultimately, it is his decision on when to step away from the game. He still believes that he can come back and be productive. While that would be a great story for the press, it may not exactly be a reality. The organization is slowly taking steps to move away from Wright at third base, even if it is as little as keeping Cabrera around for next season to play the position, or having d’Arnaud play a game there. It would truly be a miracle to see Wright play third base for the Mets again.
If Wright retires are the Mets still obligated to pay what’s left on his contract? If so maybe the FO can work out something with Wright to take a lifetime position within the organization. As always its up to the Wilpons. Matz doesn’t get you anything special in return. Certainly not as the centerpiece in any trade. Rumored by who? The Mets are going to have to find a way to replace how many home runs (100?) they’ve traded away thus far? If the team goes in the direction at third as you say I don’t see their prospects any better for making the playoffs in 2018.
If he just straight up retires than no the Mets will not owe him the remainder of the contract. Though often the retirement happens after some settlement is reached where team does agree to pay part of the deal.
If he’s declared medically unable to play than he can still get his full salary (ala Prince Fielder). In that case insurance would be on the hook for most
of it.
David Wright needs to learn to play 1B and help ease pressure on D. Smith into next year.
DW could bat against tough lefties, be a pinch hitter and DH vs AL teams, and all the while act as a bench coach and clubhouse presence and mentor. Really, what else ? He cannot throw and he is another injury waiting to happen at 3B. The Mets need to make a move there, whether it be Moustakas as a FA, or a trade for Evan Longoria, some big bopper to go with Cespedes and Conforto. The balance of the lineup will focus on timely hitting and defense. Players like Rosario, D.Smith, Lagares, and a new catcher, probably Plawecki, (finally hitting again at AAA) will be important cogs next year. At 2b, the Mets will probably go with Flores and TJ Rivera, more offense than defense, but nevertheless far more defense overall on the team than this year. Cabrera is the next and last to go. His spot can be filled cheaply with Cecchini vs shelling out $8.5m.
In 2018, no surprise, everything hinges on the pitchers all coming back healthy.
David, here is your first baseman’s mitt.
There is no undue pressure on Smith. The Mets’ top prospects have to sink or swim on their own as happens with other teams. It’s time for the Alderson regime to put up or shut , not so much in player acquisition but by finally supplying the major league team with major league ready talent from their system.. It’s thevonly way this team will turn it around going forward!
TDA playing 3b for a game isn’t indicative of phasing Wright out. He played there bc two infielders on the active roster got hurt.
But yes there is a strong possibility the Mets will need to move forward without Wright. Hopefully with something better than Reyes/Cabrera
David Wright should be the next manager.
Flores! This guy might hit 270 with 18-20 homers. He should get a shot at second or third.
David Wroght is phasing himself out. The Mets have been far too patient, to the detriment of the team, in moving him. He is a player, an employee, and after all this has virtually no claim to 3B. I’d certainly give him a 1B glove and then address 3B. All this infernal waiting as if Wright will be playing 3B sometime…like its 2009…is crazy. Its over. TdA playing hopscotch in the infield had exactly zero to do with message sending.
I don’t think they are “waiting”. By most accounts of the reporters, even before hte season when the Mets were publicly saying they expected Wright to play this year, they actually expected Reyes would be the primary 3b. And it’s not like the 3b is the only issue with this team. Nor did Wright hold a gun to their head and tell them they couldn’t acquire another 3b.
Anyone that believed Wright was actually gonna play this season was literally out of their minds…and remain so if that’s even being considered. He’s done at 3B. Its time the Mets tell him that.
And good bye to you Rene Rivera. I liked you more than most. Good luck in chicago. they got Ross and won a ring…maybe you? One thing for sure, some ex-Met might get a championship ring this year.
With Rivera Gone, Plawecki gets another shot….I still believe in KP (for absolutely no reason at all).
The Mets organization and its fans are slowly realizing that David Wright may never be able to play baseball again. Which is difficult to admit, because he was the face and the heart of the team for years.
It’s difficult for Wright, too, and his seemingly unshakable belief that he’ll return is admirable.
Coaching? Managing? I think he has a future there, if he wishes. Maybe even broadcasting. Mets fans would certainly welcome him in any capacity.
I would like to see David Wright admit his playing days are over. Then let’s throw him a big party at CitiField, perhaps retire his number 5, and welcome him into a new baseball-related career. Because I can’t see David playing ball again, but I also can’t see him walking away from the game entirely.
The Mets got exactly what I expected from David Wright this season,nothing.I have the same expectation for next season.
A David Wright announced retirement would be a benefit to the team…..
He’s not walking away from all of that Money. His attempt at recovery is actually good for his health, and it’s a $50-60 Million Bump to his Wallet. ..and what the heck…maybe he catches a miracle
Baseball fans (including me) can be impatient with their team and it’s development/ production. However, in the case of David Wright this creates a conflict in our emotions. We want the Mets to solve the black hole at 3B.
Yet, many of us feel that DW has earned the right to determine his playing fate in whatever manner he sees fit. The problem is that the front office has dithered about bringing in a capable player because they are: cheap or incompetent or daydreamers or worried about DW’s sensitivity or…………
There is nothing wrong with filling the hole at 3B. Should Wright reclaim the position at some point then an adjustment in personnel can be made.