Mets' Wright gets 6-year extension

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NEW YORK (SI.com) -- As first reported by SI.com's Jon Heyman, third baseman David Wright has signed a six-year extension with the New York Mets worth $55 million.
The extension calls for a $1.5 million signing bonus and salaries of $1 million next year, $5 million in 2008, $7.5 million in 2009, $10 million in 2010, $14 million in 2011 and $15 million in 2012. There is a $1 million buyout if the Mets do not exercise a $16 million option for the 2013.
In his third season with the Mets, the 23-year-old right-hand hitter entered Sunday's game batting .308 with 22 home runs and 82 RBIs. He had 27 homers and 102 RBIs to go along with a .306 average in 2005, his first full season in the majors.
A native of Norfolk, Va., where he grew up following the Mets' Triple-A farm club, Wright was selected by New York with the 38th overall pick in the 2001 draft. His 2005 salary is $374,000.
"I never would have imagined something like this when I signed in 2001. I always wanted to be a lifelong Met. I think this is the first step in that direction," Wright said Sunday.
"It's a special feeling growing up as a Mets fan and now knowing -- knock on wood -- I'm going to be a Met for the next six or seven years."
Wright's signing came three days after the Mets gave shortstop Jose Reyes a four-year contract extension worth $23.25 million.
"To be able to get David Wright and Jose Reyes signed, it's a very special week for the Mets," said Mets general manager Omar Minaya.
Mets manager Willie Randolph was equally excited to lock up the young duo.
"These guys are the cornerstone of our franchise," Randolph said. "We're fortunate to tie them up and I look forward to watching them play a number of years."
Wright was key in the Mets 4-3 victory over the Phillies on Saturday getting the final out by making a diving stop with the tying run on third base.
"He's turned himself into a great player," said pitcher Tom Glavine, who earned the win Saturday. "It's remarkable to see the way he handles himself on and off the field. For a veteran guy, it's refreshing to see him get it."
Wright will donate $1.5 million to the Mets Foundation during the contract.

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