New York Mets third baseman is not only the face of the team – he’s also very well paid. (Getty)
Over the past decade, David Wright and the New York Mets have become almost synonymous.
Wright, who was drafted by the team in the 2001 MLB Draft, is not only the face of the franchise, he is the leader of the team, a captain in more than just title. He’s also being paid pretty well for his work.
The New York third baseman signed an eight-year, $138 million contract extension in 2012, a deal that will keep him in Queens through the 2020 season. According to the Associated Press, the deal included $15.5 million in salary that is being deferred without interest. That money is to be paid out in equal installments of $3.1 million each June 30 from 2021-2025.
Wright’s previous contract set him up to make $16 million in 2013, but the amount was reduced to $11 million – $3 million of which was deferred.
There are also considerable bonuses. A seven-time All-Star already, Wright makes an added $500,000 if he wins the NL MVP, $1 million for his second MVP award and $1.5 million for his third or more. He would get $200,000 if he finishes second through fifth in the voting. He would also get $100,000 bonuses for making the All-Star team, earning a postseason MVP or player of the year award of any kind.
He would also get $150,000 if he is named the league championship series MVP and $250,000 if he’s the World Series MVP. Right now, according to OddsShark, Wright is +2500 to win the World Series MVP this year.
Earlier this year, it was reported that Wright actually had a clause in his contract that insures the Mets against long-term injury. The contract stats that in the instance Wright misses 60 games, the Mets recoup 75% of his pay until he is able to play again.
Obviously, #Mets hoping that Wright will not miss a significant amount of time. But if he is out more than 60 days, they are insured.
Wright currently donates 1 percent of his base salary to the New York Mets Foundation as well as other charities chosen jointly between him and the team.
So, Wright is making a good amount of money in blue and orange. But, if were all being honest he deserves to be.
In his 11 seasons with the MLB club, Wright has recorded 12 different Mets franchise records and a .298 career batting average. He also boasts a .377 OBP, .492 SLG and has connected on a whopping 1,746 hits, including 382 doubles and 235 home runs. He’s also driven in 956 runs.
Meanwhile, in the field, Wright has recorded an impressive .955 fielding percentage and assisted on 2,889 putouts.
In other words, Captain America is earning his paycheck. Now, he’s trying to earn a World Series title.