New York Mets third baseman David Wright is set to miss the rest of this season recovering from neck surgery. When he returns next season, could he find himself playing on the opposite side of the infield?
There are a plethora of reasons why moving to first base would work for both David Wright and the Mets next year.
Wright’s neck surgery is bound to decrease his mobility to some extent, which would create problems for him reacting at the hot corner. At first base, he would not necessarily need to be as quick on his feet, and would quite possibly reduce some strain on his ailing back.
Spinal stenosis has also created throwing difficulties for Wright, and, at first, the problems would become less pronounced.
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If Wright is taking less strain on his body in the field, he will be in better shape at the plate and hopefully more of a contributor than when he batted .226 in 37 games this season.
Wright’s move to first base would not be unusual for a former gold glove third baseman towards the end of their career. His friend, Ryan Zimmerman, was able to successfully move to first base for the Washington Nationals last season.
The move to first base would not only make sense for Wright but for the Mets future plans.
With the 33-year-old penciled in at first base, and Jay Bruce as a lefty power bat, the Mets would be able to trade or non-tender Lucas Duda. The money the Mets owe Duda could be used to retain Neil Walker, who has been more than the Mets could have asked for at second base this season.
If Wright eventually lands on the DL, the Mets will have an opening to bring their highly coveted first base prospect, Dominic Smith, to the show.
The move to first certainly could make a lot of sense for David Wright and the Mets, but, then again, when’s the last time the Mets have done something that makes sense?
