The Mets have formally picked up their contract options for David Wright and R.A. Dickey, sources told Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports (via Twitter). The Mets began the early stages of extension talks with both players after the season but the discussions were reportedly moving slowly.
Wright's option for 2013 will pay him $16MM while Dickey's is for just $5MM. Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reported earlier today that the third baseman was discussing a long-term deal with the club. Officials told Joel Sherman of the New York Post that they expected an extension for Wright to cost about $143MM over eight years when including the 2013 option.
Some have speculated that Dickey could be in line for a Oliver Perez-type extension, which would be for three years at about $36MM. However, the Mets reportedly don't have anything that lucrative in mind. At the age of 38, Dickey's situation is a complicated one as knuckleballers historically haven't fared well beyond 40.
No brainer.
Shocking development.
Players in general don’t do well beyond 40. I would think knuckleballers would be more likely to have success later in their careers.
Now it’s time to extend them. No brainer option pickups
Phil Niekro won 15 or more games five times after the age of 40.
Joe Niekro won 28 games after turning 40, and pitched two
scoreless innings in the WS at the age of 42.
Hoyt Wilhelm pitched in 500 games after 40, with a 2.18 ERA.
Tim Wakefield, ages 40-42, went 38-28.
As much as I love Dickey he honestly needs to be traded. I wouldn’t mind Wright being the face of the franchise for 8 more years so he can retire a Met. However, back to Dickey, his value is the highest it will ever be he needs to be traded for some OF prospects or even some IF prospects. He is the key to replenishing an anemic farm system. If we can get Zack Wheeler for an injury prone, 2 month rental of Beltran from the Giants we should be able to get a haul for Dickey. Coming off a CY caliber season and only 5 million owed next year teams should be very very very interested in Dickey. Even at 38 years old.
I’d go the other way. Move Wright for even more than Dickey and tie up a Cy Young level pitcher for the 3 more years. Pitching wins and you are committing less money and years to a more rare commodity.
Just wondering if we were to move Wright who would you want back? Like do you have any ideas? I’m not saying its a wrong move I’m just saying who did you have in mind as far as possible prospects for Wright?
Trade both Wright and Dickey. Both had monster years, their trade value is at its highest. Go reap that.
His win-loss record wasn’t great but Charlie Hough pitched 1346 innings from age 40-46, giving up less hits per innings pitched. Plus, he also made the allstar team at age 38 with a 17-10 season on the 1986 Texas Rangers.
Obviously, the issue is more how long he can keep his velocity on his great knuckleball.