It emerged earlier today that Mets third baseman David Wright would appear with the organization’s top affiliate as he continues his rehab assignment. That seemed a good sign after a two-day rest period for Wright, perhaps even indicating that he would be readying for a return to the majors late this year.
In comments this afternoon, however, assistant GM John Ricco suggested that the organization hasn’t necessarily put in an order for a fresh #5 jersey top. As MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo was among those to cover (all links to Twitter), Ricco also announced that the team will not promote top first base prospect Peter Alonso this fall and gave the reasoning behind the club’s decision to trade away veteran outfielder Jose Bautista.
The 35-year-old Wright last saw action in the majors in May of 2016, but has continued to try to battle through a series of significant medical impediments in hopes of making it back. He was written off by most entering the year, and still faces long odds to return to being a player truly worthy of occupying a MLB roster spot, but will now get a shot to show his form at the highest level of the minors.
As Marc Carig of The Athletic recently documented (subscription link), Wright has to endure hours of preparation just to make it onto the field. Back, neck,and shoulder problems will continue to impact the veteran even if he’s able to filter back up to the majors.
Unsurprisingly, those limitations have seemingly left the organization feeling less than optimistic about Wright’s output. Still, it’s a bit jarring to hear Ricco’s account of the long-time team leader. “We just haven’t seen that level of consistency of playing on a quantity or quality basis at this point,” says Ricco, who calls it “unrealistic to think [Wright will] be activated anytime soon.”
As Ken Davidoff of the New York Post explained at the outset of the season, this coming offseason will represent a decision point for Wright and the Mets. He’s on the 60-day DL for the time being, but will take up a 40-man spot over the offseason. With $27MM left to go on Wright’s contract, and an insurance policy looming large in the background, it’ll certainly be interesting to see how things play out.
Meanwhile, Ricco explains that the hot-hitting Alonso wouldn’t receive much opportunity at first base in the majors late this year, with time slated to be shared between Jay Bruce, Wilmer Flores, and (once recalled) Dominic Smith. Of course, it’ll also mean that the 23-year-old Alonso won’t pick up any service time this season, making it easier for the organization to delay his promotion next season while still allowing him to play for much of the year. As ever, it’s hard to discern just how heavily the varying considerations weighed.
In the case of Bautista, who was just moved for a marginal return, Ricco says the idea was to clear the deck for the team to find plate appearances for existing players (not including Alonso, obviously). Plus, the Mets preferred to “do the right thing by Jose,” allowing the veteran to join a pennant race.
“In the case of Bautista … Ricco says the idea was to clear the deck for the team to find plate appearances for existing players”
FINALLY, the Mets will start Jose Reyes every day. The future is yesterday!
This made my day lol
Not even a Mets fan but I miss Wright being out on the field
Wright has always been good for baseball, sad to see him struggle just to get on the field
I wish Wright nothing but the best. Even if he only makes it back and plays a handful of games it would be a great story of perseverance. People with serious injuries like that aren’t working regularly without restrictions. You have to admire someone trying to do that at the games highest level.
Bucket, I agree and to your point, Wright has always been devoted to community service. Like you, I hope he can make it back for at least a few games to give inspiration to those folks struggling to rehab from their health issues .
Wright is a guy that was so good, yet he had his struggles with injuries. Even so, for s split year I forgot about him. But, I fully agree, he is good for baseball, the Mets, and his community. I wish the guy the best, and hope he can finally get back to playing baseball.
Wright will be 2018 comeback player of the year. Will have an epic September. You heard it here first kids.
Phillies Fan …who liked David’s skills! He was what was Wright in baseball!
The remaining $27 million AND the insurance policy are the elephant in the room. If Wright somehow plays a major league game this year the clock resets on the insurance policy. A Wright / Reyes reunion with cost the Coupons dearly. In others words he won’t play this year
This year we are fine if he plays as i think he has to play something like 50 or 60 games for the insurance to not kick in.
I don’t see the point of continued for a comeback. What is he gonna do? Play one day and take five off?
If you can’t see the real reason here then you shouldn’t follow sports. As good as David was and as good of a person as he is, this is a business and it’s all about money. He quits he leaves multiple millions of dollars on the table. He’ll never say it and some won’t believe it but money is a motivator
Unless they make him a 20 million dollar instructor like A Rod was
Only if insurance pays the salary.
He is a great person and an amazing human being but at the end of the day he will not help a team to win. Of coarse he wants his money, who doesn’t. But this comeback is a joke.
Hey fan-
The Wilpon’s will not help the team to win either. They’ve hijacked this franchise as their piggy bank and made it the laughing stock of baseball.
BTW-coarse as you spelled it refers to something very different that course; unless you mean that the Wilpon’s run a coarse operation (as opposed to a smooth operation;)
All Mets comebacks are a joke.
Than not that. And, you double spaced after ; not to mention your lack of punctuation after your ;) debacle.
Wow Frank. You have won the mlbtraderumors spelling bee. Normally reserved for middle school students, your pinpoint observations are more accurate than any feedback you have ever given to baseball.
You will receive a free membership in the web site/app, MrKnowItAll. In addition your premium NYMets package has been extended so with the $250 minimum purchase you will get to share a dinner with Fred a Wilpon and “TC”.
Job well done again!
Why do people say these things. “He leaves multiple millions of dollars on the table”
No he doesn’t. He doesn’t even leave a penny on the table. Even Prince Fielder who retired due to injury is still making every penny. Baseball contracts are guaranteed.