5 Teams That Are the New York Mets' Biggest Threats to Losing David Wright

"I don't know. I've never thought about putting on a different uniform. Hopefully that never happens. But you never know what the future holds."

That is the response of lifelong New York Met David Wright (via ESPN's Adam Rubin) when prodded about what he believes will become of his future with the organization.

The Mets have a team option for Wright in 2013. Whether he will be re-signed before the option is exercised remains a mystery, but Wright has relentlessly claimed that he has no interest in negotiating with the front office midseason.

If GM Sandy Alderson chooses to exercise the option on Wright through next season, and the two parties can't work a new deal out before the start of the year, then the Mets will likely have to go through the "Jose Reyes Process."

One of two things is going to happen following the 2013 season: Wright is going to remain in a Mets uniform for what will probably be the better part of the next decade. Or, Wright is going to play for another major league team.

While the latter is one of the more uncomfortable things that a Mets fan could think about, it is certainly a possibility. With Alderson's penny pinching propensity and the lack of funds the organization has, Wright may be halfway across the country come opening day 2014.

Here's to hoping that doesn't happen. Still, though, fans must prepare for the worst. Here you can find the five teams that are the Mets' biggest threats to retaining Wright.

(Disclaimer: Most teams are listed due to pure speculation)

New York Yankees

The New York Yankees are always in the market for big-name players, and while GM Brian Cashman has insisted that the front office wants to avoid the 2014 luxury tax like the plague, you still have to consider the Yankees buyers every offseason.

Derek Jeter, Robinson Cano, Curtis Granderson and Nick Swisher will all be commanding hefty pay days, and the Yankees probably won't be able to bring all of the four back.

Despite the fact that Cashman is trying to save money, Wright could be a solid buy for a team whose left side of the infield is plain old.

Wright, of course, has said that he isn't in it for the money (via ESPN's Adam Rubin):

"

I've never considered myself that type of player where I'm going to go to wherever for the money. I'd rather be somewhere where I feel like I can win, somewhere where I feel like I can be happy and obviously comfortable.

"

What better team is there to provide serious cash and an actual chance of winning every year? There isn't.

The Yankees probably aren't going to make an aggressive play for Wright right away, but don't be surprised if you hear rumors out of left field regarding their involvement.

Los Angeles Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers were the most active team in baseball through the trade deadline, and although it looks like Matt Kemp and Co. will fall just short of the second Wild-Card spot, the money will keep flowing next season.

Now that the Guggenheim group is in full control of the franchise following a transaction that resulted in $2 billion changing hands, the Dodgers are going to be aggressively gunning for a playoff spot for the next few seasons.

No Dodgers' third baseman qualified for the National League batting title this season, which typically means that all bets are off when it comes to who will be back and who won't. That opens the door for the front office to go after David Wright if he and the New York Mets can't come to an agreement before he becomes a free agent.

Wright would also fit perfectly behind Kemp and Andre Either. For those who don't remember, look at Wright's numbers when he hit in the five hole behind the Carlos' from 2006 to 2008.

Philadelphia Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies may have had a down season, but it would be foolish to believe that they won't bounce back next season.

GM Ruben Amaro is responsible for the second-highest annual payroll in the league. Despite the ugly season, the Phillies are on the verge of finishing with the highest fan attendance in the league.

More fans means more money, and the Phillies will have enough to go around despite Cole Hamels' new contract.

Philadelphia doesn't have any big-time third baseman in the minors, and the combination of Kevin Frandsen and Ty Wiggington isn't going to help them reclaim the National League East Crown.

Don't forget that the Phillies were looking to unload Cliff Lee this summer, meaning that they could be looking to free up the finances to delve into other endeavors.

David Wright in a Phillies uniform would be a true slap in the face, but it is still too early to count any team out.

Los Angeles Angels

The one thing standing in the way of the Los Angeles Angels going after David Wright if he reaches the free-agency market is money. 

Do the Angels have enough money after the C.J. Wilson and Albert Pujols signings to sign another marquee player to slide into the middle of their lineup?

If the answer is yes, the Angels could be in the market for a third baseman.

For some reason, things didn't click for the Angels this season. Whether it be because of team chemistry or the simple fact that they need another player in a lineup that has an odd mixture of up-and-comers and about-to-goers.

Alberto Callaspo isn't getting the job done in the hot corner. Pujols, Mark Trumbo and Wright would make up a mean middle of the lineup.

Oakland Athletics

No, the Oakland Athletics aren't big fans of spending money, but perhaps the team's 2012 season will change GM Billy Beane's mind.

Beane hasn't spent money on a high-priced free agent in some time. The moderately priced Yoenis Cespedes contract cannot be considered a marquee signing despite his success.

If things don't go Oakland's way in the playoffs this year, fans may be calling for a new player to be acquired. After all, if the A's can do as much as they have done this season with as little as they have, there's no reason to believe that bringing in one above-average hitter won't catapult the organization forward.

In all likelihood, another years time will go by before David Wright hits the market. The A's could be just as good then as they are now, meaning that baseball will come back to live in Oakland again.

This one comes down to whether Wright would commit to playing for a small-market team and if Oakland can afford him.

This one seems like a bit of a reach, but there won't just be big spenders looking to add a bat if Wright hits free agency.