NEW YORK — David Wright is expressing his support for Juan Soto and the New York Mets as they strive for a World Series championship that eluded him during his playing career. He shared his thoughts during a Zoom conference held after the announcement that his No. 5 jersey will be retired on July 19. Wright remarked, “The will to win within the organization seems incredible.”
Since the acquisition of the team by Steve Cohen from the Wilpon and Katz families in 2021, the Mets have topped the charts in Major League Baseball spending. Just a month ago, Soto secured a groundbreaking 15-year contract worth $765 million. Wright praised the team’s aggressive approach, stating, “It’s a win-at-all-costs mentality, do-whatever-you-can-to-win type mentality, and that’s something that I love. The goal is not just to win one championship; it’s about going on a run and winning multiple championships.”
Wright’s number will become the tenth retired by the Mets and the sixth since Cohen’s ownership began. Throughout his impressive 14-year career with the Mets, Wright achieved seven All-Star selections and will be inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame alongside Tom Seaver, marking a rare honor as both recognitions will be bestowed on the same day.
Offering advice to first baseman Pete Alonso, who is currently a free agent after six productive seasons with the Mets, Wright reflected on the emotional connection that comes from being drafted and developed by a single team. He referenced the careers of Yankees’ Derek Jeter and Atlanta’s Chipper Jones, who similarly spent their entire careers with one franchise, saying, “There’s a little more — maybe a lot more pride when you put that jersey on every night.” He emphasized, however, that pursuing financial opportunities is also crucial for players.
From his home, closely located to the ongoing California wildfires, Wright reminisced about his accomplishments. He recorded a batting average of .296, with 242 home runs, 970 RBIs, and 196 stolen bases from 2004 to 2018. His career was impacted by significant injuries to his neck, back, and shoulders which eventually led to surgery. He attributed much of his success to his parents — his father a police officer and his mother an elementary school teacher’s aide. “That blue-collar mentality stayed with me throughout my entire career,” Wright noted, stating that while he might not have been the most talented, he always felt prepared.
On December 20, Wright will celebrate his 42nd birthday and join an esteemed group of Mets legends with retired jersey numbers, including Dwight Gooden, Keith Hernandez, Jerry Koosman, Willie Mays, Mike Piazza, Seaver, and Darryl Strawberry. Managers Gil Hodges and Casey Stengel also had their numbers retired. Following the retirement announcement, Wright received a congratulatory message from Hernandez. “I don’t think it’s hit me. I feel it’s a bit undeserved considering the caliber of players I’ll be up there with,” he remarked humorously.
Wright fondly recalled receiving advice from Strawberry during his playing days, sharing, “When I knew Darryl was there, I wanted to play well because I wanted him to come high-five me rather than discuss why I didn’t perform.”
Transitioning away from baseball has been made smoother for Wright thanks to family responsibilities. He coaches soccer for his 8-year-old daughter Olivia, softball for his 6-year-old daughter Madison, and baseball for his 4-year-old son Brooks, occasionally taking them to Mets games. He enjoys the wonder in their eyes when they see players like Francisco Lindor or Brandon Nimmo greet them, often eliciting questions about his past. “They look at me and say, ‘Daddy, you used to do that?’”
Wright’s ability to play was limited to just two games after 2016, with appearances in the final two games of the 2018 season serving as a farewell. Wiping away tears from those moments, he intends to approach the upcoming jersey retirement ceremony with a more composed demeanor. He realized it was time to step away when rehabilitation assignments became struggles, as he hoped games would progress quickly, fearing injuries might occur from making awkward movements on the field.
