Mets third baseman David Wright is weighing the options with his injured neck and a surgical option is on the table, MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo was among those to report. Replacement of a herniated disk would likely come with at least a three-month recovery timeline, quite possibly ending Wright’s season.
The tough-luck star was already battling through a chronic back condition when the neck problem arose. While the team has suggested that the two issues are unrelated, it’s obviously especially difficult for Wright to deal with yet another injury.
It’s not yet clear that surgery will be chosen. But last we heard, surgery wasn’t a near-term consideration. Wright was instead slated to rest for six to eight weeks before trying to ramp things back up. It appears that the possibility of a procedure is at least on the rise at this pont.
GM Sandy Alderson didn’t sound a particularly promising tone. “I always prefer certainty over uncertainty, so having some resolution will be helpful,” he said. “False hope is never useful, or not often useful. We like to be pragmatic.”
Alderson suggested that New York is beginning to look at fill-in options while relying on Wilmer Flores in the interim. He appeared at least to be open to the possibility of Cuban star Yulieski Gurriel, who was recently declared a free agent, though that would likely require a fairly significant outlay since there’ll be competition.
“I don’t feel that there’s any immediate timeline for necessity to know one way or the other, in part because the availability of replacements is so limited-to-nonexistent at this point,” Alderson said. “This is not the time of year when full-time third basemen, other than [Gurriel], are typically available. So we march on.”
Speaking more generally about the club’s plans earlier today, Alderson largely demurred when asked about Gurriel, as ESPNNewYork.com’s Adam Rubin was among those to report. He did note that the organization isn’t quite as flush with prospect talent now as it was this time last year, raising questions about what the team could accomplish via trade. “There’s no question, though, our farm system is not quite as healthy today as it was then in part because of all the trades we made,” said Alderson. “So to the extent that we’re active, it may hurt us a little more this year than it did last year.”
It appears that the organization will wait to decide upon a future course until Wright has decided whether or not to undergo surgery. DiComo writes that the veteran will make the call this week.
It’s important to note that Wright is playing on a $20MM salary this year and is under contract for another $67MM through 2020. A good piece of those obligations could be covered by insurance, though, potentially creating some flexibility if it becomes clear that Wright won’t be able to return in 2016.
As soon as you say the words “significant outlay,” you can count the Mets out.
Pains me to say it but he’s done and has been for the past few years. Team has been brutal offensively lately. Doesn’t seem to be an answer out there on the trade market and I don’t think Flores is the guy either. Oh well…always next year.
This sucks for him but the mets need to move on from him and sign Gouriell!! I wish wright the best in his recovery but he seems likely to head towards retirement
Trade Steven Matz for Travis Shaw and Rusney Castillo lol
You may need to spend some studs to boost the budget for your franchise, other wise you can’t take on that contract… This is MLB the show after all…
As great as Wright was and instrumental to the Mets franchise, unfortunately at this point he’s hurting the team’s success with his contract and their obligation to keeping his position. It would’ve never happened, but an infield of Murphy, Cabrera, Walker, and Duda would’ve been a solid one.
I know the Mets can be budget conscience but I agree to not getting an unproven Cuban player. Stick with Flores until the deadline and see what teams are out have to give up via trade or releases
Mets need Danny Valencia at 3B. They also need to release De Aza and put Walker on the DL, and bring up Nimmo and Herrera.
Would like to know if Sandy had explored/listened to trades for Harvey in the off season. Bosox for example? Sandy and Dave D pulled off trade last year that benefited both. Thought there might a fit there. Mets farm system is weak positionally and there is no one IMO that is going to make a ‘conforto’ impact this year. Nimmo and Herrara are not the answer and moving Walker to third has been ruled out by Mets. Sandy will pull off 1 significant trade IMO at the deadline that probably include either Wheeler or Matz and the Mets will take their shot.
as a Mets fan, we need a big bat in the line up and the only way they fit is in the infield. I’m sorry, Valencia will not cut it. Lucroy would be great but what do we do when Duda is back? Do we ship of Travis? 3B seems like the only spot where we can make an everyday impact with Wright potentially done for the season. Our line up is dreadful and bringing in an decent player like Valencia isn’t good enough (aside from the last 2 months).
If we can’t get a legit power threat, trading for an actual lead off hitter that plays infield where we can shift Cabrera to 3B and then Grandy to the middle of the order is ideal.
It’s official: Wright is having surgery. Mets just sent out a press release.