Among the myriad of questions facing the New York Mets headed into next season, I believe the most important is the status of David Wright.
A recent ESPN poll listed baseball’s top ten third basemen and Wright, based on his recent injury history and performance, wasn’t on the list and shouldn’t have been. Therein, is why he’s my most critical Mets’ question for 2015.
The key focus on Wright is health. Only once in the past four years did he play in as many as 150 games. Last season, a bum left shoulder limited him to 134 games and hurt his performance in the field and at the plate.
As the face of the franchise, Wright was rewarded with an eight-year, $138 million contract that has the Mets committed to him through the 2020 season. He was signed with the hope he’d regain his All-Star form.
This isn’t about whether the Mets should have signed Wright, he’s here and not going anywhere.
It must be understood Wright has been a star, but his most productive seasons were when he was younger and healthier, but also when he was surrounded by supporting talent, notably Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado. Wright has always been an important element to the Mets’ success, but never the centerpiece bat.
This year will be more of the same. The main source of power will come from Lucas Duda followed by Curtis Granderson. If they meet expectations, a lot of pressure could come off Wright.
A seven-time All-Star, Wright figures to bat third and could be presented with solid RBI opportunities if there’s a productive leadoff hitter and a strong season from Daniel Murphy.
It can’t be underestimated how the upheaval at the top of the order, plus the lack of support behind him, coupled with his injuries and propensity for carrying the weight of the team on his shoulders contributed to him not driving in over 100 runs since 2010 or scoring over 100 runs since 2008.
This is a critical year for Wright, who at 31, is at the crossroads of his career. Does his slide continue or can he recapture the stroke that made him an elite talent?
A very productive Wright can carry the Mets to the next level and even have his team battling for a potential playoff spot this season. If not, and he struggles again, there will be the lingering questions about his contract, especially if he’s healthy and still doesn’t produce. There are six more years on that contract.
