Amid the seemingly endless string of bad news this season for Mets fans is one glimmer of hope – a potential comeback by our captain, David Wright. The face of the Mets franchise hasn’t played in a Major League game since 2016. Since being diagnosed with spinal stenosis back in early 2015, Wright has undergone back, neck and shoulder surgeries, countless hours of rehabilitation and physical therapy, and has had several comeback attempts cut short. However, the 35-year-old refuses to give up on his career.
Wright has been visible in the clubhouse, assuming a leadership role as an unofficial coach while he continues to work his way back. Over the past few weeks, Wright has gotten solid reports from his doctors and has been slowly ramping up his training. He’s been swinging a bat, running, throwing and doing fielding drills. He’s still a ways off. If the progress continues, Wright will need some minor league work to prepare for the speed of the game. Realistically, Wright will never be a full-time player again, but it would be great for him, his teammates and Mets fans if he could take the field again, even in a limited role. Imagine the standing ovation he’d receive at Citi Field in his first game back.
If Wright does the near impossible and can even manage a few hundred more at bats between this season and next, he’ll stand to reach some career milestones – 1,000 runs (he needs 51), 1,000 RBI (30 more), 400 doubles (10 more), 200 stolen bases (four more), and 6,000 at bats (four more). These still fall short of Hall of Fame qualifying numbers, but they are pretty solid milestones nonetheless. Whether he makes it back or not, Wright will be remembered for being an all-around talent, team leader, and fan favorite. But one last hurrah would sure be sweet. It would at least give Mets fans a reason to come out to the ball park this summer.
I think if the Wilpons still have an insurance policy they’d be happy just watching him prepare for 2019.
Pete, I have no love for the Wilpons, but I disagree with you there. 1) insurance does not cover 100% of his salary. 2) a David Wright comeback would be a drawing card. Increased ticket sales would offset the salary.
And since he wouldn’t play full time you’d be waiting for the last minute to see if he’s in the lineup
I’ll guesstimate 75% of his 20 million which is 15 million. With the assumption that it’s based on how many if any games he plays.
I will be happy if he can take 1 AB on September 30, then announce his retirement after the game.
Then maybe be the manager… (kidding)
+1
Why not Charlie? Can’t be any worse than Callaway
If you don’t like to subtract insurance money from payroll numbers -good news. This is the last year that Wright will be making $20 mil and for the next 2 years, it’ll decline to $15 mil and $12 mil , which will help offset some of the arbitration increases.
Hey, Name, that’s positive news. Cut that out.
Maybe the organization has some idea of him taking the field one last time next to Reyes and announcing both their retirements together in the post game conference. They could capitalize by making some sort of nostalgic weekend out of it to sell tickets and merch. Mookie could throw out the first pitch.
Maybe they should consider David Wright as the next Mets manager.