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Friday, March 29, 2024

Mets Sign Wright to Eight-Year Deal

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David Wright can count on spending the rest of his career with the Mets after reaching agreement on an eight-year contract worth $138 million to remain the ‘Face of the Franchise.’

The deal, which is subject to Wright passing a physical, ends a saga that carried on for several weeks, beginning with general manager Sandy Alderson’s visit to Wright in October to make his sales pitch. The extension will carry Wright, who turns 30 this month, through 2020 and give the Mets a cornerstone on which to build. Wright’s deal, in terms of overall dollars, surpasses the $137.5 million contract Johan Santana received before the 2008 season, and ranks as the richest in franchise history. Wright’s camp believed it was important that the third baseman’s new deal surpass Santana’s in overall dollars to establish a franchise benchmark.

The new money involved encompasses seven years and $122 million beginning in 2014. Wright’s $16 million deal for next year was torn up and replaced with the same dollar amount, making it an eight-year contract. All along, Wright had said he wanted discussions completed before spring training and wouldn’t negotiate once the season began.

Wright made his major league debut for the Mets on July 21, 2004 against the Montreal Expos at third base, and has been a regular ever since. Over his young career, he has made six All-Star appearances, won two gold glove awards, and won rookie of the year in 2004. Wright holds a batting average of .301 to go along with 1,246 hits, 204 home runs, and 818 runs batted in. Wright also happens to be the Mets all time leader in doubles, and joined the 30-30 club in 2007.

With an offer extended to Wright, Mets general manager Sandy Alderson’s next focus will be clarifying R.A. Dickey’s status. The Mets have offered the Cy Young award winner a two-year extension beyond 2013, and the knuckleballer has countered, but discussions were recently tabled to address Wright’s status.

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