David Wright hit 29 homers and had 103 RBI last season, despite playing at spacious Citi Field playing for the New York Mets. In his 6 full major league seasons, he’s made the All-Star team 5 times, been in the top 25 in MVP voting 5 times, won 2 Gold Gloves and 2 Silver Sluggers. Clearly, by the numbers, Wright is one of the top players in baseball but, for a variety of reasons, he’s
not generally regarded as such in casual conversations. First, as a Met he’s often overshadowed by Alex Rodriguez, the Yankees’ third basemen, or just the Yankees in general. Also, Wright is has been consistently criticized because he hasn’t shown the ability to carry a team the way that other big hitters such as Rodriguez, Albert Pujols, Adrian Gonzalez and others have. For that reason primarily, I don’t think he’s a great fit with the Mets but, according to ESPN’s Adam Rubin, that might not be an issue for too much longer.
With teammates such as Jose Reyes, Angel Pagan, and Carlos Beltran, David Wright has been expected to be the run producer, three hitter, and big threat in the Mets’ lineup throughout his entire career. I contend that this is not the best situation for him. Wright, and his surprisingly impressive numbers (I was absolutely floored to learn about his 29 jacks last year. Really? In Citi Field? Did anyone else know about this?), would be a top quality second or even third threat in a good, contending lineup. He’s shown that being The Guy isn’t his forte, but I think he’d really help a team do big things as The Other Guy or The Other Other Guy.
It won’t be this year, because, as we’ve heard all too much this season, Jose Reyes is the most likely Met to be moved before the July 31 trading deadline but if Reyes stays with the club for the remainder of the season and ends up working out a 3-5 year deal, Wright could be dealt. The reason, according to Rubin, is that if the Mets ink Reyes, they won’t be able to pay Reyes, Johan Santana, Jason Bay, and Wright, who is owed $15 mill next year. If the Mets do end up shopping David Wright, where could he end up? Here are my choices for the teams that could benefit the most from the third basemen’s services (in no particular order): NOTE: This is pure speculation. It is based on nothing but my own observations and opinions.
St. Louis Cardinals: Let’s assume that Prince Albert remains with the team next year, it’s really the most likely scenario. I also want to assume that after the numbers he’s put up thus far, the Cards will likely give Lance Berkman another go around. With those two guys at the top of the order and David Wright hitting 4th or 5th behind Pujols, the Cards would be a formidable opponent. Also, with the Gold Glover Wright manning 3rd, Pujols would get to stay on the other side of the diamond.
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: After losing out on Adrian Beltre last winter and failing on the Vernon Wells gamble, the Angels could use Wright’s bat. With Torii Hunter and Bobby Abreu (and hopefully Kendrys Morales) in the lineup, David wouldn’t have to carry all of the offensive load. With the Angels’ pitching as good as it is, the addition of Wright could make a big difference for this team.
Toronto Blue Jays: The Blue Jays have Edwin Encarnacion but he hasn’t produced and isn’t even starting a ton of games. Wright would be a good fit protecting Jose Bautista in the Jay’s lineup. He’d certainly be more of a threat than Juan Rivera is now.
Colorado Rockies: The Rockies think that they’re in a position to win now. I’m not sure I agree but imagine what they’d think of themselves if they have Wright next to Troy Tulowitzki on the left side of the infield. For sure they’d be impressive offensively, especially in Coors Field. Ty Wigginton is a good utility guy, but I don’t think the Rockies should be wedded to him at third. Also, if the rumors about their interest in Michael Young this spring were true, they have the money to spend and the will to use it.
No matter what happens with Reyes, I hope that Wright leaves New York. I like David and from all accounts he’s as good a person off the field as he is a player on the field and I root for his success. I just think his chances are a lot better with another team.
-Max Frankel
