Michael Bourn (Associated Press)
WRIGHT CALL: David Wright (inset) is playing third base and recruiter for the Mets, telling The Post he called free-agent center fielder Michael Bourn (above) to preach the virtues of coming to Citi Field. (AP (2))
PORT ST. LUCIE — David Wright is all-in on the Mets. That includes being a front-line recruiter for Sandy Alderson & Co.
Wright told The Post yesterday he has spoken with and exchanged texts with free-agent center fielder Michael Bourn in an attempt to lure him to Citi Field.
“I just wanted to let him know that he would be a great addition here and he’d obviously be welcomed here,’’ Wright said after his first early workout at the Mets’ spring training complex.
“I talked to him a couple weeks ago, and I told him, ‘You’re always in the right place at the right time, your work counts,’ ’’ Wright said. “I’ve always had great respect for him and the way he plays the game and have always kind of chatted with him when he gets to third base.
“I just feel he’s a hard-nosed player. I wanted to be there to answer any question he might have and let him know that with some of the young arms that we have and the young talent we have, we are not far off.’’
In New York, Alderson, the general manager, told reporters acquiring Bourn would change the image of the beleaguered Mets franchise.
“We’re getting to the point where we can be in the mix,’’ Alderson said. “If you look at the fundamental composition of our team, it wouldn’t take more than a couple of moves to change the whole perception of things.’’
The Mets, who had the 10th-worst record but hold the No. 11 draft pick, are appealing to have that pick protected — as the top 10 selections are — if they were to surrender free-agent compensation.
“In the event we get to that point, I don’t think it’s fair to say we’re looking for a rule change,” Alderson said. “We’re looking to clarify the effect of the existing rule. It’s sort of a case of first impression. It hasn’t been dealt with before. If we get to that point, we’ll see.’’
The Mets desperately need a center fielder and a leadoff man. It remains to be seen whether the Mets will step up to the plate and make the winning financial pitch. The Mariners and Rangers also would love to land Bourn.
“He’s terrorized us, so I’ve seen first-hand what he is capable of doing,’’ Wright said.
The two men were born seven days apart in December 1982.
“Those types of guys, speed guys, he’s frustrated the heck out of me by chasing down balls in the outfield,’’ Wright said. “It just seems that he has a nose for the game. He would be a great addition, but obviously there are a few teams interested.
“I’m all-in in this organization, and I’m going to do whatever I can, on the field or in the clubhouse, to try to get this thing going in the direction I think we need to go,’’ said Wright, who signed a $138 million extension this offseason.
The NL East got that much more difficult for the Mets with the Braves adding Wright’s close Virginia friends B.J. and Justin Upton to their outfield.
“I love to see B.J. and Justin together, I grew up with that family, it’s pretty incredible, but preferably not in the NL East,’’ Wright said with a smile.
Wright is confident the Mets are heading in the right direction. The game plan was given to Wright when Alderson went to Virginia to play golf with him in October, and Wright has been on-board with the plan since that day.
“It’s nice to see that the plan that they had is being executed,’’ Wright said. “I really am confident in the direction that this team is going. There are a lot of players here at camp already and you see the enthusiasm. We’re going to be good for a nice little run.’’
Only time will tell.
“I have to pinch myself that this is not all a dream,” said Wright, who was engaged to model Molly Beers this winter. “It was a great offseason for me personally. It’s an exciting time for me.’’
Landing Michael Bourn would make it a great offseason for the Mets as well.
kevin.kernan@nypost.com