Any way you slice it, David Wright will go down as a polarizing figure in New York Mets lore. His early days as part of the 2006 team that won 97 games proved that he was an elite third baseman in the league. As the years moved along, Wright became the face of the franchise and the definite fan favorite. He was rewarded handsomely on December 4th, 2012, when Wright was signed to a 7-year $138 Million contract. Since then, his numbers have declined while his injuries have increased mightily. Over the past three seasons, Wright has only played in 75 games, including none in the 2017 season. At this point, it is unknown whether or not he will return to playing competitive baseball.
This poses an obvious question for not only Mets brass, but also Wright himself. How will Wright return to the Mets? There are several routes that can be taken by him, each possibly being helpful to the organization. The first option is for Wright to return as a player. While this may be a long stretch at this point, it is not impossible. It is known that Wright vehemently attempts to rehabilitate from his injuries, the latest being a right shoulder impingement. Wright has also found motivation from childhood friend Ryan Zimmerman. Zimmerman, who grew up with Wright in the Tidewater area of Virginia, is enjoying an All-Star season at age 32. He is better in every statistical category than last season, after battling several injuries the past few seasons. Wright needs to realize that his injuries, most specifically his Spinal Stenosis, is a lot more damaging and harder to come back from than normal injuries. Many Mets fans and the organization need to come to the same realization as well. After all, this is the same injury that forced NFL running back David Wilson into retirement.
A second, possibly more reasonable option for Wright would be to return as a manager or other leadership role for the organization. Terry Collins is on the last year of his contract, and it is not likely at this point that he gets retained for another season in Queens. It would be a complete 360 for the Mets to switch from the oldest manager in the league in Collins to who would be the youngest in the league, Wright. It may be just what the organization needs though. With highly touted infield prospects Amed Rosario and Dom Smith likely up with the big league club next season, the Mets will need a manger with patience and experience in that position before. Wright knows exactly what it is like to be a young infielder in New York, coming to the big league club at only age 22. Smith is 22, and Rosario is 23, respectively. The Mets will need a manager that will grow with the young infielders and have patience, especially as the title window for the Mets appears to be closing rapidly.
Wright will forever be apart of the Mets organization. He has been the face of the franchise for over a decade, and he is the career leader in 12 statistical categories for the team. His injuries have deteriorated his ability to make the field these past few seasons. When Wright does return, will it be on the field? Or will it be in the dugout holding the lineup card? At this point, it is simply a waiting game regarding Wright’s future.
David Wright as the Mets manager is the most provocative thing I’ve heard about the Mets in a long time. I’ve never thought about the scenario.
But that doesn’t mean it’s not genius. With next year’s team roster being totally turned over new blood and a player’s manager might be an answer.
Will the front office and the man himself be open to such a move?
As a 35 year old in 2018 his resurgence like Brian Zimmerman seems like a long shot. Management with an experienced bench coach might be the ticket.
The Mets need to resolve this issue once and for all. They can’t continue with a placeholder mentality at 3B while hoping for insurance payments.
I think they’ve done the right thing with DW, handled his situation with grace and integrity. Gave him the chance he earned.
But now the Mets have to move forward and David Wright is not in the picture as the Mets sail into the future.
He’s an anchor.
he wont return unless its in a non playing role
I like the idea of David Wright as manager, but I don’t see Sandy Alderson signing on. We all know Sandy prefers nondescript, middle-management types to man the dugout. We also don’t have a single clue as to whether or not Wright has even a shred of managerial ability. Being the longtime “Face of the Franchise,” Wright would be nearly impossible to fire should he prove less than competent.
They fired the popular player Bud Harrelson….. Wright is a white toast yes man… He can handle the media… he knows the personnel .They could chose worse.
How about DW as a first basemen? Mitigates his throwing issues and keeps his presence in the dugout/lineup.
As Name mentioned recently, is Dom Smith really ready for the majors?
I’d like to see him manage in the minors for a year before taking the helm of the Mets.
David Wright can manage the Mets with a good Pitching Coach and a better Training staff to help avoid injuries. Let’s all thank TC and Warthen for what they have done and move on. If they both come back in 2018, Mets are crazy and dumb. The NL East is getting younger and better by the day. Phils and Braves won’t be sucking much longer, heck, Braves may have already passed Mets overall, I don’t just mean a couple of meaningless games in the standings. Marlins, after their eventual sale could be trouble, and Nats will rule for another year or two for sure. Mets need to get some prospects now and trade those FA to be vets, we know who they all are, and get some fresh MGMNT blood as well to go with a changing of the guard in core talent – Rosario, Smith, Conforto, and the pitching staff coming back full strength. Get prospects now at C, Bullpen,CF and 3B and let’s focus on tomorrow. Today is dead, died by the time May rolled around !
I’d give him a year in the minors to see how he does. That aside, wouldn’t you love to see him come back and play at least one last time? That home run he hit against the Phillies gave me the chills.