Former Reds and Nationals GM Jim Bowden described the Mets front office as treating David Wright negotiations in a similar fashion to the way things went with Jose Reyes. Still, the ESPN.com writer predicted Wright ultimately would agree to an extension in the neighborhood of seven years, $126 million with the club (presumably on top of the $16 million extension for 2013 that already has been picked up).

Writes Bowden:

However, Wright’s long-term future in New York is hardly guaranteed.

First, discussions between Wright’s agents -- Sam and Seth Levinson -- and the Mets have been slow and grinding. Most negotiations with the Mets usually plod along, but the Mets also have shown the same cavalier attitude they demonstrated during the failed Jose Reyes negotiations in 2011. Not a good sign.

Secondly, for those who think the Mets won’t let the face of the franchise walk away, remember that current Mets general manager Sandy Alderson is the one who said to goodbye to future Hall of Famer Trevor Hoffman while in San Diego. Alderson also allowed then-Padres manager Bruce Bochy to depart for NL West rival San Francisco Giants, where he would go on to win two World Series titles. In 1992, Alderson also traded Jose Canseco to the Texas Rangers in a blockbuster that was headlined by Ruben Sierra. Arguably the best trade of Alderson’s career might end up being the swap of All-Star outfielder Carlos Beltran to the Giants at the July 2011 trade deadline for top pitching prospect Zach Wheeler who should join the Mets’ starting rotation in 2013.

Needless to say, Alderson’s not afraid to trade star players.

Bowden goes on to predict five plausible trades if the Mets go that direction. To:

• The Boston Red Sox for third base prospect Will Middlebrooks and a top starting pitching prospect such as Allen Webster.

• The Los Angeles Angels for a package including first base prospect C.J. Cron.

• The Arizona Diamondbacks for former No. 1 pick Trevor Bauer.

• The Kansas City Royals for a package including third baseman Mike Moustakas.

• The Texas Rangers for a "Mike Olt, Derek Holland and Craig Gentry-type of deal."

Insiders can read the in-depth report here.