Mets third baseman David Wright has been diagnosed with a herniated disk in his neck, he told reporters including Mike Puma of the New York Post (Twitter link). His outlook remains uncertain, though he suggested that he’ll know more tomorrow.
Wright has been battling through spinal stenosis in his back all year. That condition limited him to 38 games a season ago, but he’s just one shy of that number already in 2016. He’s no longer one of the game’s very best hitters, but he’s still managed to compile a .226/.350/.438 batting line with seven home runs and three stolen bases over his 164 plate appearances thus far.
The neck issue appears to be a new one, and it’s certainly concerning to see another variable introduced for the 33-year-old. His back condition is expected to require intensive care, conditioning, and periodic rest for the rest of his career. It certainly seems fair to wonder whether it also leaves him somewhat more susceptible to other ailments.
For now, it’s not clear whether a DL stint is in order. New York is already dealing with the loss of Lucas Duda for an unknown stretch with his own back problems, with James Loney expected to fill in. The hope might have been that Wilmer Flores could also see time at first, in addition to providing support in the middle infield, but he may now be leaned on to fill in (or at least spell) Wright at the hot corner.
The Mets do have some infield options within the organization who could help shoulder the load. Dilson Herrera and Gavin Cecchini are both hitting well at Triple-A, and could perform utility roles, though only Herrera is on the 40-man roster. Matt Reynolds is another 40-man infield possibility; he was just sent down to make way for Flores, but could be recalled without waiting the usual ten days if the move is required due to an ensuing DL placement.
All told, it’s far too soon to know whether Wright’s neck injury is a significant new cause for concern. It’s impossible to know his individual prognosis, given that he and the team have yet to learn of it, but one data point that’s worth noting is that of Nick Markakis. The outfielder underwent offseason surgery after signing with the Braves to address his own, seemingly similar condition, and was able to recover within six weeks or so in order to begin a full spring with his new organization.
Wright remains a critical piece of the puzzle for the Mets, who not only need him to contend this year but are also obligated to him for $67MM over four seasons in the future. Given his preexisting issues, this new malady rates as a topic to watch for the time being.
Going to go down as the worst contract the Mets have ever given. I always like David and he was great in his younger days. Only plaid in 300 or so games in the last 4 years.
Im guessing retirement isnt too far off for Wright.
played
I thought you were saying he was playing for the Scottish National Team.
I’m sure there have been much worse contracts. They probably have insurance for when he’s injured. Contracts like Bay where he wasn’t hurt but sucked (and had to remain active) are much worse worse.
They still owe him 67 million and have paid him 71 million over the last 4 years for 35 home runs and 150 RBI’s. Not what anyone would call a good contract. Jason Bay was not nearly as costly as Wright is now and going to be in the years to come.
This was what I found in Insurance for these players. Also keep in mind a team has to buy insurance on that player in question. They dont just have it on every player. And I was able to confirm that the policies are for 3 year terms. And yes they do have to carry that player on there 40 man roster while collecting insurance for that said player.
Most of the insurance policies are covered within 3 year intervals, and most policies are done solely to protect teams from injuries to players on a long term deal. So for example, David Wright’s new 8 year deal would likely get a new policy after 2016, because he was already signed in 2013.
If you’re wondering why this is the case, think like an insurer for a minute.
Would you rather insure a contract for a 30 year old until he’s 38, or would you rather have a new policy at 34 be written? It’s not in the insurer’s best interest to protect the team for the full 8 years at age 30. The likelihood of an injury to Wright at age 35 is greater than the chance at 31. Therefore, the insurer will not offer as much protection in 2017 as they did in 2014.
Most policies cover between 50-80% of the total contract value with premiums as high as 10% of the contract’s annual value. No insurer will cover the entire value of the contract, so there will always be some sort of risk on the teams part.
A major league team can only collect on a policy if a player is on the DL. Prior to the 1999 season, the Baltimore Orioles signed Albert Belle to a 5 year offer worth just over $60 million. Following the 2000 season, Belle was forced to retire due to a degenerative hip disease at age 34.
Because he could not fulfill the remaining 3 years on his contract, three things happened.
The first, he had to remain on their 40 man roster per the agreement within his insurance policy. Belle would still receive every penny of his remaining $39 million, but the Orioles were able to recover $23 million of that contract through the insurance policy.
This moment was when teams and insurer’s focused a little more closely on what and who to insure.
You realize this is the team still paying Bobby bonilla right?
Yes I do. 1 million a year. Not 20 million a year like Wright. A little difference but you can think what you want. Plus they got production out of Bonilla for the life of his contract.
That’s a ridiculous comparison. It’s not like Bonilla was making $1m a year during his contract. He’s getting much more over the period of the payments than he was owed on his contract., albeit paid from an annuity (if it survived Madoff).
If wright retires he doesn’t get paid and at least still put up ~10 war during it.
Time to hang em up
I’m a fan of Wright’s, but I hope he pulls a “Cuddyer”, and realizes he’s got nothing left at the end of the season and decides to retire.
What a shame.
Time to find a bat for this lineup…
You make it like there aren’t already bats in this lineup.
Angels… Offer Escobar for Harvey… Even trade … One for one…
No it’s not
Where do they find these strength and conditioning coaches? Craigslist?
I swear mets need to either ship him to an American League team where he can play the DH or he needs to start thinking about his future health
Tough loss — and in today’s game, possibly the toughest position to replace.
The names Luis Castillo, Kaz Matsui, and Oliver Perez come to mind as bad contracts for the Mets.
I knew a third baseman in the mets organization who decided to play in Korea because he figured with Wright there long term he wouldn’t get an oppurtinity in the bigs. Bet he is kicking himself now.
Herniation in the neck is not the same thing as low back. Not an ortho surgeon by any stretch, but I just had a massive herniation in my low back removed in early April, and I’m playing ball tomorrow. Beer league ain’t MLB to be sure, but I’m almost exactly a month older than Wright is and I did not have the benefit of a major league rehab program. Point being, this is only major news due to his low back stenosis and that it occurred on a holiday weekend when most surgeons are at a bbq. 2-4 wks at most, depending on course of treatment.
I think you’re missing the bigger picture his neck injury is a result of his back injury. His body is breaking down if he keeps playing he will be paralyzed by the time his contract ends