According to internet speculation, the Seattle Mariners are willing to at least explore the idea of moving prized young starter "King" Felix Hernandez this winter. The thinking is that they may not be able to lock him up long-term.
And, well, the M's just happen to be in need of a third baseman—assuming Adrian Beltre doesn't return. Meanwhile, the Mets desperately need pitching.
It's a match made in heaven, right? I mean, neither player has a no-trade clause.
Two small problems with this scenario, however. One, Wright is going to start to get very costly and his power is down. He hit only 10 homers in 2009 after averaging 29 in his previous four seasons.
And, he will be owed $55 million over the next four years, assuming his 2013 option is picked up.
The second issue, as I see it, is that Wright is a lot to give up for two seasons of the King.
But hey, maybe the Mets could sign him to a long-term extension. God knows they have the financial resources to do so.
And look, perhaps Wright's power would return, though the Mariners home would be like jumping from the frying pan into the fire in the sense that while the new Mets home is not conducive for Wright, the M's park may not be, either.
His career line is .309/.389/.518/.907.
There is no doubt that Wright is a terrific hitter who gets on base and plays excellent defense. And he's a leader in the clubhouse.
Meanwhile, King Felix is only 23 years old and would demand a king's ransom on the open market. Still, he might take the comfort of an extension now, especially in New York where he would be a valuable advertising commodity, and be secure in the knowledge that if he has a career-threatening injury he will be covered.
But that would be an expensive extension (likely $20 million per season).
It's just an idea, but it's one that makes sense. Felix may like the bright lights of New York, where he would have more earning power off the field than in Seattle.
At the same time, Wright fills a niche for the M's. New York may have to throw in a prospect or two, but they would be getting another ace to go along with Johan Santana.
This would put more pressure on the M's to sign Cliff Lee long-term.
It is just a proposal made up in my head, but stranger things have happened.
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