The New York Mets picked up their 2013 contract options on third baseman David Wright and right-hander R.A. Dickey, Fox Sports reported.
The moves were widely expected, and the team likely will continue to negotiate with the two key players in an attempt to keep them beyond next season.
Wright, 29, will make $16 million in 2013, while Dickey, 38, will earn $5 million. Both would become free agents after next season unless they agree to contract extensions.
CBSSports.com recently reported that the Mets were prepared to retain Wright “for life” by offering a contract worth approximately $100 million.
Wright had a strong first half this season before tailing off after the All-Star break. He finished with a .306 average, a .391 on-base percentage, a .492 slugging percentage, 21 homers and 93 RBI in 156 games.
In nine major league seasons, all with the Mets, Wright has a .301 average, 204 RBI and 818 RBI.
Dickey, a late-blooming knuckleballer, is a leading candidate to win the National League Cy Young Award after going 20-6 with a 2.73 ERA in 34 games (33 starts). He became the team’s first 20-game winner since Frank Viola in 1990.
He underwent surgery earlier this month to repair a lower abdominal muscle tear, but he is expected to be fully recovered before spring training. Dickey said he pitched with a dull pain for the final five months of the season.
Dickey pitched for the Texas Rangers, Seattle Mariners and Minnesota Twins between 2001 and 2009, going a combined 22-28 with a 5.43 ERA in 48 games (33 starts). He finally emerged as a quality starter when he joined the Mets in 2010. Through three seasons in New York, he is 39-28 with a 2.95 ERA in 94 games (91 starts).