New York Mets: 7 Options To Fix 3rd Base Situation

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Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

I know what I’m about to say is blasphemy to any and all New York Mets fans, but ready yourself; David Wright’s days as the Mets’ starting third baseman are over! I’m sorry, but it’s true. If/when he returns to the club this year or next, the only position he can possibly cover to some extent would be first base.

Okay, now that we’ve got the shock and horror out of the way, we can move on amicably. Wright showed in last year’s World Series against the Kansas City Royals that his lateral movement is all but extinct. His wretched back has zapped him of his long forgotten strong throwing arm (although it was never all that accurate to begin with). I can only imagine the kind of immeasurable damage a bulging disk in one’s neck can have the ability to turn on a 95 mph fastball…strike three!

But here’s the rub, the Mets still owe Wright some $87 million through the 2020 season, when he’ll turn 37 years of age. Unless of course Wright is forced to retire, therefore resulting in the Mets’ insurance policy on Wright kicking into effect, resulting in the club only shelling out 75% of what is owed to the one-time cornerstone of the franchise. Quite simply, it breaks down to just under $17 million, which is almost manageable in today’s highfalutin world of giant cable TV contracts.

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So before we get into the reason you’re here, to see who would be a much-needed upgrade at the hot corner, let me give you fair warning. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT tell me that the recent acquisition of 34-year-old journeyman Kelly Johnson from the Atlanta Braves will help keep the Mets in contention through the long summer months; or point out the fact that he can platoon with the human crying meme, Wilmer Flores, who currently owns a slash line of .247/.322/.346. While he’s only 24-years-old, he’s not getting any better. Daniel Murphy and his .379 batting average sure would have come in handy right about now.

Also on this list, you will not see the likes of Kris Bryant, Manny Machado or Maikel Franco. I’m trying to keep this as realistic as possible. I also won’t bore you with after-run names such as Chase Headley, Juan Uribe, or Justin Turner. My final word of advice is to take solace that I’m determining that a permanent solution is at least two and a half seasons long; just enough time as to get us to Manny Machado’s free agency.

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New York Mets: 7 Options To Permanently Fix 3rd Base Situation

By Mike Calendrillo | Jun 13, 2016

The New York Mets can no longer rely on David Wright to be their everyday player at the hot corner. Here are seven players that they could get to fill the void via trade.