Report: Contract talks with David Wright, R.A. Dickey in 'preliminary stage'

The Mets are in the “preliminary stage” of contract negotiations with David Wright and R.A. Dickey, according to the New York Daily News' Andy Martino.

Mets general manager Sandy Alderson has expressed that re-signing both players to long-term deals would be his top priority this offseason. Both players have options for next season, which the team is expected to pick up. Wright can be retained for $13 million, while Dickey can be brought back for $5 million. Negotiations, however, are not moving quickly. Neither the team nor the players have even submitted figures yet.

People within the organization have speculated the team will re-sign Wright, but trade Dickey, according to Martino. Most of that speculation is due to Dickey's age, 37, which could make the club hesitant to hand out a longterm deal. At the same time, Dickey is a knuckleball pitcher and may not decline at the same rate as other pitchers. Knuckleballers are notorious for being able to pitch for a long time since the pitch places little stress on the arm.

Wright is considered the face of the franchise, and will turn 30 in December. In 670 plate appearances, Wright hit .306/.391/.492 this season.

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