MLB

Union boss: Wright saved Mets money by signing extension

AMAZIN’ DISCOUNT: David Wright, smiling in the field this week at Mets spring training, could have made “substantially more money” had he waited for free agency instead of signing a contract extension with the club, according to MLBPA chief Michael Weiner. (
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PORT ST. LUCIE — David Wright took less money, in his mind, to ensure the Mets can eventually spend more.

The third baseman yesterday backed the assertion of Major League Baseball Players’ Association chief Michael Weiner, who indicated Wright probably gave the Mets a break when he agreed to an eight-year contract worth $138 million in December to remain with the club. Wright otherwise could have tested free agency after the 2013 season.

“David understood that if he went out to market he would probably make more money and perhaps substantially more money,” Weiner said.

There is strong sentiment in the Mets front office that the 30-year-old Wright received a deal consummate with his value — and didn’t take a hometown discount to remain in Flushing — but Wright told The Post he agrees with Weiner that he did the organization a favor.

“Ultimately I knew this is where I wanted to be, and obviously it was important for me to give something I thought was fair, but also not hamstring the organization while doing that,” Wright said.

“I thought that would have been somewhat counterproductive, so I talked to [Weiner] and told him this is where I want to be, I’m happy here and he knows how I felt and ultimately he said, ‘You’ve got to do what makes you happy.’ I guess I had some leverage, but if I wanted ultimate leverage, I would have went to free agency.”

Weiner, who met with players for about an hour yesterday to discuss union issues, was also critical of the Mets payroll, which is expected to fall within the $95-$100 million range this year.

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“A New York franchise in the National League, one of the flagship franchises in baseball,” Weiner said. “I think everybody would like to see the Mets as a competitive team, and it’s going to require a higher payroll. I trust that the Wilpons, [general manager] Sandy Alderson, [assistant general manager] John Ricco, all those people, will end up putting together a very competitive team shortly.”

A team official responded to Weiner’s criticism by saying the union chief should check the average payrolls of the last three World Series winners. The Giants (2010), Cardinals (2011) and Giants (2012) averaged about $106 million in payroll in claiming the last three world championships.

Wright indicated he expects the Mets to start spending soon.

“It’s been well-documented, especially recently, that ownership is in a position to spend money,” Wright said.

“So if I think if the right player becomes available and we’re able to make a trade and bring on salary or next winter we’re able to sign some of these free agents, I think we’ll be right there if Sandy feels that is best for the team moving forward.”

But Wright said the Mets shouldn’t spend money just for the sake of trying to improve perception of the franchise.

“We’re in a position now where we can build from within and then go add pieces and spend some money — if I’m reading correctly what Fred and Jeff [Wilpon] are spending,” Wright said. “Just because you spend money doesn’t guarantee you are going to win, but I do think it’s important to build from within and then add pieces.

“Michael Weiner is the head of the players’ union, he would like to see everybody spend a lot of money. But I understand where Michael is coming from.”