Mets to Retire David Wright’s Jersey Number

Wright’s Mets Career

Born in Norfolk, Virginia, Wright grew up a Mets fan thanks to the Norfolk Tides. The Tides were the Mets Triple-A affiliate at the time. The Mets selected Wright in the 2001 MLB draft out of Hickory High School in Virginia during the supplemental round. The pick was the result of Mets 2000 NLCS MVP Mike Hampton’s departure from the club in free agency. Wright quickly rose through the ranks of the minors and was called up in 2004. From then on, Wright became one of the most beloved players in team history and was the team’s standout player for the following decade.

Wright was a 7-time All-Star. 2-time Gold Glove award winner. As well as a 2-time Silver Slugger. His best season came in 2007 when he notched 30 home runs, 107 RBI, and 196 hits. He batted .325/.416/.963 with a 149 OPS+ and an 8.3 WAR. He finished that season 4th in the NL MVP voting. In 2013, Wright was named Captain of the Mets. Becoming the 4th player to be named captain of the club, joining Keith Hernandez, Gary Carter, and John Franco. 

In 2015, as his career was winding down due to injuries, Wright returned to the lineup from injury in August and helped the team on its run to their first World Series appearance since 2000. His most memorable moment came in Game 3 of the World Series, the first World Series game played at Citi Field, and hit a two-run home run in the first inning. 

Wright’s Legacy

Wright retired after the 2018 season, and ever since then, it seemed it was only a matter of when, not if, the Mets would retire his number. He is one of the few players in team history to start and finish his career as a Met. On July 19, 2025, against the Cincinnati Reds, Wright’s number 5 will be at Citi Field forever—a dream come true for a literal lifelong Met.