NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. _ Sandy Alderson did not waver on Monday when the Mets general manager said that the club is banking on David Wright to be the starting third baseman next season.
In Jose Reyes, the Mets already have a contingency plan in case Wright is severely limited once more. He has played a total of only 75 games in the last two seasons because of spinal stenosis, a degenerative back condition, and surgery to repair a herniated disc in his neck.
But Alderson said Wright is "definitely on track" to begin baseball activities later this month. The third baseman has been in California with various therapists and Dr. Robert Watkins, the specialist who has helped to oversee Wright's treatment.
Alderson stayed away from making any pronouncements about how many games Wright is expected to play. He nevertheless made it clear that the Mets still view him as their primary third baseman.
"I think he's committed to being as good as he can possibly be," Alderson said on Monday at baseball's annual winter meetings. "But I think he also recognizes that he needs to modify his training program to ensure that he can be available as often as possible. I think we saw that last year before the neck injury arose, but that was in connection with his lower back."
Wright, 33, is still owed $67 million through the 2020 season. When he was on the field the past two seasons, he hit .260/.365/.436 with 12 homers in 289 at-bats, though his capacity in the field has been diminished.
"I think he's realistic about what he needs to do and how he's going to keep himself in shape," Alderson said. "Then the questions is how that translates into performance and his ability to stay on the field."
The Mets already have alternatives lined up to help cover for Wright. Wilmer Flores has played third base and Neil Walker has expressed a willingness to move there if needed. And there is Reyes, who manned third base last season and may turn into a super utilityman next season.
Alderson mentioned the possibility of experimenting with the switch-hitting Reyes in the outfield, perhaps even in center. Reyes could receive some time in the outfield during spring training.
Said Alderson: "Jose will get plenty of at-bats."
Meanwhile, the Mets continue to gauge interest in outfielders Jay Bruce and Curtis Granderson. Sources said both have garnered inquiries from multiple teams, though Granderson has been more sought after while the Mets prefer to trade Bruce.
Alderson would not specify which player has been more popular in trade talks. But he indicated that the Mets aren't looking to cover salary in a deal, a common tactic for teams who want a better player in return.
Bruce is owed $13 million and Granderson is owed $15 million. Both are entering the final season of their contracts. Moving both would help the Mets get payroll back to last season's level of about $140 million.
"The only thing I can say now is we've had a number of meetings today with a number of teams on a variety of topics," Alderson said. "So at this point in the meetings, we haven't focused in on any particular type of transaction."
