Mets general manager Sandy Alderson says he expects David Wright and R.A. Dickey to sign long-term contracts with the team this winter.
Alderson made his ideas clear yesterday during a question and answer session with a group of season-ticket holders at Citi Field before the Mets’ 2-1 victory over the Astros.
“I fully expect David Wright and R.A. Dickey will be here not only next year, but long term,” Alderson said. “We have options on both of those players. I don’t want to rely on those options and go into next season with their free agency after 2013.
“We’re going to deal with them while we still have a little bit of room to maneuver, but we’re committed to trying to bring those two back — I hope they will both be back — and I am excited about the possibility they will be.”
Of course, Wright and Dickey have a large say in whether they remain with the Mets beyond 2013.
Wright, whose team option for next season is worth $16 million, indicated nothing has changed: He is prepared to test free agency after the 2013 season if he can’t finalize a new deal with the Mets this winter.
Wright seemed unsure how to respond when asked about Alderson’s comment about the GM expecting the third baseman back long-term.
“That’s nice of him,” Wright said. “Thank you. It’s good to hear. I’ve said all along I’m going to hopefully discuss something in the offseason, so we’ll see what happens.”
Dickey, whose option for next season is worth $5 million, also said he won’t negotiate with the Mets after this offseason. He, like Wright, would like to know what direction the franchise is headed before inking a new deal.
“Right now I’ll listen to whatever proposal they put out there and hopefully get into a healthy dialogue with them about what their vision is and what they’re going to do,” Dickey said. “Until then I can’t even speculate.”
Alderson didn’t make any promises to the gathering about the Mets’ payroll for next season.
“This year we’re at $100 million, but I’m hopeful we’ll be in the same range if not somewhat higher,” Alderson said, adding he hasn’t discussed the subject with principal owner Fred Wilpon.
Alderson said he expects to have a better answer within the next few weeks. Assuming the Mets pick up the options on Wright and Dickey, they will have about $72 million committed to six players: Johan Santana, Jason Bay, Frank Francisco, Jon Niese, Dickey and Wright.