If David Wright has to call it quits, his value to the New York Mets is not dead. The Mets should take a look at the Bronx, and see how an aging star can still be utilized.
As you probably know by now, Alex Rodriguez will “retire” this Friday and join the New York Yankees coaching staff instead of playing out the next year and a half on his contract.
Rodriguez will begin his post-playing career still making the $27 million he was owed on his player contract.
Across town, the New York Mets have a fading superstar of their own: the Captain, David Wright. Wright is owed close to $50 million over the next four seasons. However, it seems more and more unlikely that he will be able to finish out his contract.
By no means is this a suggestion David has played his final game in blue and orange, but just a realistic evaluation based on his recent medical history.
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There is going to be a day before 2020, when Wright’s contract expires, where he can no longer play the game.
Just because Wright’s health will stop him from playing doesn’t mean the Mets have to lose him as the leader of their clubhouse.
Instead of just eating the rest of the money that the Mets owe Wright, it would make perfect sense to give him a role on the Mets staff.
David Wright is the captain of the Mets for a reason: he has amazing knowledge and experience in the game of baseball and is one of the classiest players in the game today. Wright has been able to help the young players, like Michael Conforto, grow as both people and players through his veteran wisdom.
Wright’s guidance would continue to be extremely valuable to the Mets next wave of talent (Rosario, Smith, Cecchini, etc.) as the organization chases down its elusive third World Series championship. He could join the Mets bench as a special assistant and adviser, like Rodriguez, or take over the position of one of his current coaches.
Wright could take over for his current manager, Terry Collins, after the 2017 season, assuming his exit from baseball happens sooner rather than later. As mentioned earlier, Wright has both amazing baseball knowledge and leadership skills, which are the most important traits in a big league manager.
If Wright doesn’t want to begin a coaching career as the head honcho, he could easily fit into the Mets staff at a variety of other positions.
The most obvious and fitting position for Wright would be as the hitting coach. Who better to learn from than the guy who is at or near the top of the leader board in every major offensive category? And considering the Mets’ dreadful offensive season, the Mets could be looking for Kevin Long’s replacement real soon.
Wright’s long tenure in New York would also provide useful insight for players unsure of how to handle the bright lights.
Guys will have a mentor to guide them through the toughness that comes with playing in the Big Apple. Whether it is the media or the fans, Wright has proven to be professional in handling it all.
