Reports on David Wright ‘Inaccurate’; Mets to Non-Tender Pelfrey, Torres, and Acosta

Most of the news yesterday was dominated by the potential contract offers the Mets had given David Wright. First, they allegedly opened the negotiating with an official offer of six-years/$100 million. Then, according to multiple reliable MLB sources, the offer was upped to seven years and in the neighborhood of $129 million (on top of his $16 million option for 2013). After a whole day of speculation, the Mets third baseman provided a couple quotes that will make every Mets fan slouch back in their seat:

"“I have said from Day 1 that I want to play my entire career with the New  York Mets. I remain hopeful that goal can be achieved. However, I am  disappointed by the reports that I have read today which are inaccurate”"

Ken Davidoff tried to get some details out of the franchise hits leader, but was unsuccessful, as Wright said once again:

"“I wish I could elaborate but it was important to me from the very beginning that these negotiations remain confidential and private. I plan on sticking to that. Sorry I can’t comment any further.”  Oct. 3, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; New York Mets center fielder Andres Torres (56) connects for a home run during the third inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE"

So, Wright wants to keep these negotiations away from the public spotlight, which is understandable, especially since they’ve been slow moving after the conclusion of the 2012 season. I agree with Matt Cerrone of MetsBlog when he says this could basically mean anything; Wright could be playing the game with reporters and this news could be true, or they could be way off and these reports are making him mad. I just hope these reports don’t hurt the negotiations. Looking at a potential extension of seven-years and $140 million, there is no doubt the Mets will be overpaying for their third baseman, but I think this is the one case it will be justified when you look at what he means to this organization.

On the R.A. Dickey side of things, he’s surprised himself that negotiations for his extension are moving as slow as they are. The Mets would like to take care of Wright first, but they should probably tell the NL Cy Young winner. The knuckler said the organization offered an extension, his representation countered, and now they’ve been waiting for a response. Dickey also said he plans on sitting in during negotiations after the Winter Meetings if there isn’t more clarity by then. That’s a good move, sometimes it takes a player being included in talks for a deal to actually get done (or not done).

Next week at those Winter Meetings in Nashville, Adam Rubin of ESPN New York reported that Alderson’s top priority is to add two right-handed bats to the outfield, which currently includes Lucas Duda, Mike Baxter, and Kirk Nieuwenhuis. Next, they’ll be targeting a right-handed hitting catcher to compliment Josh Thole. Then, they’ll once again be looking to re-build the bullpen, which was one of the worst in the league last season.

The deadline to tender contracts to arbitration-eligible players is this Friday, and it’s not surprising that Mike Pelfrey, Andres Torres, and Manny Acosta will all be non-tendered, according to a source. Pelfrey would have made no less than $5.7 million if offered arbitration, while Torres could’ve been in line for a $3.2 million deal, and Acosta getting $1.1 million. The only player the Mets should even entertain the thought of possibly bringing back is Pelfrey; coming off Tommy John, he’ll be able to finish his rehab with the only organization he knows, and if he proves himself healthy, he could fill a hole in the rotation or bullpen, or could be used as trade bait. As for Torres and Acosta, please go somwhere else. Torres didn’t revive his career by coming to Flushing, and he won’t be a starter in 2013. Acosta has good stuff out of the bullpen, but his lack of focus to start the year isn’t a great quality.