In 2025, the New York Mets will retire David Wright’s number 5 and induct the longtime third baseman into the club’s Hall of Fame. MLB.com reports. The ceremony and induction will take place July 19 next season at Citi Field before the team’s game against the Cincinnati Reds.
Wright, who turns 42 on Dec. 20, spent his entire professional playing career as a member of the Mets — from the time he was drafted with the 38th overall pick in 2001 until his final game in late September 2018. During his 14 years in Queens, Wright put together a .296/.376/.491 (133 OPS+) batting line with 242 circuits; 390 doubles; 196 stolen bases; and 1,777 visits. Along the way, he accumulated seven All-Star selections, two Gold Gloves, two Silver Sluggers and four top-10 finishes in National League MVP voting. Wright’s career WAR of 49.2 ranks second all-time in Mets franchise history – behind leader Tom Seaver and just ahead of Dwight Gooden.
Without so many injuries, Wright would likely be headed to Cooperstown. However, a streak of back, neck and shoulder injuries cut short his career and eroded whatever value he was able to muster late in his career. Yet Wright holds Mets franchise records for walks, hits, doubles, RBIs and runs scored.
Wright will become the 11th individual in Mets franchise history to have his number retired. The others are Jackie Robinson, whose No. 42 is retired nationwide. MLB; Sailor; Darryl Strawberry; Good ; Willie Mays; Keith Hernandez; Jerry Koosman; Mike Piazza; Gil Hodges; and Casey Stengel. The Mets also retired the “numbers” of two broadcasters – Ralph Kiner and Bob Murphy – and Bill Shea, who was instrumental in landing an expansion franchise in New York.
