Mike’s Mets Player Review Series: David Wright

Now that the 2018 season is over for the New York Mets, we have been looking back at the year that was. After taking a more general view of the offense, pitching, and coaching staff, it’s time to take a look back at the Mets’ players. This series will take a look at every player on the roster for the Mets at the end of season from B (Tyler Bashlor) to Z (Daniel Zamora). The review will look at their season statistics, stories, and what role (if any) they will have next season. We continue the series today with a look at third baseman David Wright.

Player Review: David Wright

2018 Stats: 2 Games, 2 At Bats, .000 Batting Average, 0 Hits, 0 Runs Scored, .333 OPS

Story: David Wright began 2018 much like he did in 2017, rehabbing far from New York in hopes of coming back to the major leagues. The process continued to be slow for Wright, who finally made it to a rehab assignment late in the summer, where he batted only .171 in 12 games for High-A St. Lucie and AAA Las Vegas. With the clock on Wright’s rehab assignment expiring, the Mets brought him up to the big club to be further evaluated by the major league medical staff. It was determined that Wright was no longer physically capable of performing at the big league level, so the Mets announced that the team’s final homestand of the year would mark Wright’s send off. Wright got a pinch hitting appearance on September 28th, where he grounded out on one pitch, before making his final big league start in front of a packed Citi Field the following night. That game saw Wright reach base for the final time with a first inning walk before he popped out to Miami Marlins’ first baseman Peter O’Brien in the fourth inning. Wright was removed for defense at that point, giving him the chance to receive a tremendous standing ovation from the capacity crowd. The Mets went on to win the game in extra innings, after which Wright thanked the fans for their years of support.

Grade: N/A

Wright’s on field performance was irrelevant to the Mets in 2018, but what did matter was the fact he got to say goodbye to the team and its fans on his own terms. That will be a win Wright and Mets’ fans can share forever.

Contract Status: Signed Through 2020 (Will Earn $15 Million in 2019)

Odds of Returning: 0%

2019 Role: None

Even though Wright played his final game as a member of the Mets this September, he didn’t technically retire because that would require him to forfeit the two years and $27 million remaining on his contract. Wright is still on the Mets’ 40 man roster at this point, but that is only a technicality as the team and insurance company work on a settlement to cover the remaining balance of the deal. The Mets are hopeful to reach an agreement in the coming months so they can take Wright off the 40 man roster and use that spot for a player who can help the big club in the immediate future.

Check back tomorrow as our Player Review Series concludes with a look at relief pitcher Daniel Zamora!