Mets' Wright expects to play in majors this year
With speculation mounting about his return to the majors next month after over two years on the sidelines, New York Mets third baseman David Wright, who's currently rehabbing at Triple-A Las Vegas, revealed he plans on donning a big-league uniform for the first time since 2016 before this season is over.
"The simple answer to that is yes," Wright told SNY's Andy Martino during an interview in Las Vegas on Wednesday, when asked if he expects to play for the Mets in 2018.
The 35-year-old added that while he's "cautiously optimistic" his return will happen, he remains unsure of the timing.
Wright has not appeared in a big-league game since May 27, 2016, when he was diagnosed with spinal stenosis. Surgery on his back, neck, and shoulder followed, and he's since been on a seemingly never-ending rehab assignment. Wright only played in three games last year - all of them in Single-A - and was only able to begin this minor-league rehab stint on Aug. 11.
With the Mets continuing to struggle this season, speculation regarding Wright's return to Queens has begun to gain steam. However, while Wright is clearly angling for a return, the team itself has remained bullish on the issue. John Ricco, one of the Mets' three acting general managers, said Tuesday that it's "unrealistic" to expect he'll be activated.
Financial issues may be entering into the Mets' handling of Wright's rehab. According to Mike Puma of the New York Post, 75 percent of Wright's contract will be covered by insurance should he remain on the DL; if he returns to the major-league roster, the team would have to pay all of the $3.21 million he's owed for the remainder of this season.
But a source told Puma on Wednesday that "David is driving this train" with regard to his possible return, and added that "he is coming back" to the Mets this year.
Wright, the Mets' franchise leader in hits, RBIs, and wins above replacement, is hitting .194/.237/.222 with two RBIs in 11 minor-league rehab games this month.