David Wright to Have No. 5 Retired at Citi Field

David Wright is set to be honored at Citi Field on Saturday as the Mets retire his No. 5 jersey.

However, on Friday, several individuals close to Wright suggested that this celebration could extend beyond just the Mets. They hinted at a possible Hall of Fame induction in his future.

“David is one of the best players,” remarked Billy Wagner in a Zoom call, who is preparing to introduce Wright at the baseball Hall of Fame next weekend. “If he hadn’t faced so many injuries, he’d definitely be in contention. He was a great leader and a fantastic teammate. He truly deserves this honor and I’m thrilled for him. I believe he’s right up there with Mets greats like Tom Seaver.”

A few hours later, Terry Collins, one of Wright’s former managers, echoed similar sentiments, recognizing his contributions to the team.

“He’s been incredibly important to the organization,” Collins stated before the Mets’ game against the Reds. “He’s humbled by what’s happening on Saturday, as well as his upcoming induction in July. He was just grateful to give his all for the team for as long as he could.”

Wright played 14 seasons with the Mets before injuries, particularly to his back and neck, troubled him in the latter part of his career.

Wright’s journey began when he was drafted by the Mets as their first pick in 2001, making his MLB debut in 2004 and helping lead the team to its most recent World Series appearance in 2015.

In 2015, Wright faced more than four months on the sidelines due to a diagnosis of spinal stenosis but managed to return to the field in late August, the Mets still comfortably ahead in the NL East.

Collins admitted he didn’t expect much production from Wright at that point but was pleasantly surprised to see him contribute when he needed to.

“He always prioritized his team,” Collins noted. “That’s why we made him captain.”

Instead of easing Wright back into the lineup on August 24, 2015, Collins decided to slot him in the cleanup position, where Wright made an impressive return, contributing significantly in a key moment.

Wright’s influence and legacy continue to resonate today, with Francisco Lindor mentioning how special it feels to use the locker that Wright once occupied.

Lindor also tactfully sidestepped queries about the possibility of becoming the Mets’ first captain since Wright, choosing to focus on the celebration of Wright instead.

“It’s an honor to be associated with him, but this weekend is all about David Wright,” Lindor stressed. “He deserves every bit of the recognition. Whatever happens with the captaincy, it doesn’t take away from David Wright’s legacy.”