The Mets, who are looking to sign David Wright to a long-term extension this winter, have started "informal conversations" directly with him.

The organization wants to convince Wright that they are headed in the right direction.

Sandy Alderson has indicated that New York's payroll won't increase significantly for 2013.

"If you had the uncertainty that existed last spring, it would be difficult to make those long-term commitments," Alderson said, referring to potential extensions for Wright and Dickey.

"So I think that's a fundamental shift. ... Not only would we like to see those two situations resolved by the beginning of spring training/Opening Day, I think we'd like to see them resolved sooner rather than later."