Wright on waivers is matter of procedure

The Mets placed David Wright on waivers earlier this month, according to the Denver Post, and was pulled back by the club after the Rockies put in a claim for the third baseman.

Neither development is very surprising at this time of year. Teams place many of their players on waivers as a matter of procedure, and in most cases, have no desire of trading them. It is a way of gauging outside interest in players, however, and could be a factor in how the Mets proceed in reshaping the roster this offseason.

When players are put on waivers, they either pass through unclaimed -- most likely because of a prohibitive salary – or are claimed, which then gives the teams a chance to discuss a potential trade. Unlike in the case of irrevocable, or release, waivers, the player can be pulled back, as Wright was in this case.

Teams are not allowed to publicly discuss the process and can be heavily fined for doing so, which is why many players are put on waivers and the names are never disclosed.

Wright is signed through next year – he will earn $15 million in 2012 – and the Mets hold team option for 2013 worth $16 million. Sandy Alderson already has expressed interest in re-signing Jose Reyes, and it is unclear if the Mets’ payroll plans would prevent the GM from holding onto both homegrown players.

In comparing the two, the Mets probably see Wright as more easily replaced than Reyes. The emergence of Daniel Murphy – and nowhere to play him – may persuade the Mets to consider him as a Plan B for third base. If the team is able to retain Reyes, Terry Collins said this week that Ruben Tejada would be considered for the second base job, and given his recent performance, that’s probably their first choice.