By Cesar Tordesillas

Third baseman David Wright has received the largest contract in New York Mets history, signing a fresh eight-year deal worth at least $140 million, according to a source.

The new deal includes Wright's one year deal worth $16 million from the team option which the Mets exercised recently. With the new deal, the Mets have locked up Wright until 2020.

The total amount of Wright's contract has surpassed the six-year, $137.5 million deal given to Johan Santana as a prerequisite of being traded to the Mets.

The 30-year-old Wright has been the face of the Mets organization and its all-time leader in hits, runs, walks and RBIs.

The Mets are hoping to turn Wright into an ambassador for the organization after his playing career.

In his nine years with the Mets, Wright has hit .301 with 1,284 hits, 204 homers and 818 RBIs.

After locking up Wright, the Mets can now focus on re-signing another All-Star, this year's Cy Young winner R.A. Dickey, who is under contract for 2013 at $5 million.

Dickey, a knuckleballer, has indicated he will not negotiate with the Mets during next season so the team is working out a new deal now.

 

 

David Wright Signs Richest Deal in Mets History