David Wright, the former third baseman for the New York Mets, has certainly left his mark on the sport of baseball.
As he finds himself on the Hall of Fame ballot for the third consecutive year, the path towards enshrinement continues.
The 2025 ballots were revealed on Tuesday, and it’s heartening to note that Wright has received enough support to remain in the running.
Surpassing the critical five percent threshold showcases the ongoing recognition of his contributions to the game.
Growing Support
In the last voting round, Wright earned 24 votes from a total of 346, which amounted to 6.2 percent.
This year, however, the support for him has grown.
With 32 votes out of 394 total ballots, his candidacy now stands at 8.1 percent, reflecting a renewed appreciation for his outstanding career.
Carlos Beltran, another former Met, came close to achieving Hall of Fame status in his third year on the ballot, gathering 70.3 percent of the votes.
Just shy of the required 75 percent for induction, Beltran’s performance remains impressive.
Meanwhile, Curtis Granderson had a quieter debut, with only three votes, while Billy Wagner celebrated a successful exit, being inducted alongside icons like CC Sabathia and Ichiro Suzuki.
Upcoming Honors
Although Wright didn’t make it into the Hall of Fame this year, he will still be honored in a remarkable way this summer.
The Mets have announced plans to retire his famous No. 5 jersey and induct him into the Mets Hall of Fame on July 19.
This event will mark him as the tenth player in the team’s history to receive such an esteemed recognition.
Over his illustrious 14-year tenure with the Mets, Wright played in 1,585 games, showcasing an impressive .296 batting average, a .376 on-base percentage, and a .491 slugging percentage.
His numbers illustrate his exceptional batting talent, as he posted an OPS of .867 and a WAR of 49.2, solidifying his position among baseball’s elites.
Career Achievements and Challenges
Achieving seven All-Star selections, two Gold Glove awards, and two Silver Slugger trophies underlines his dual excellence at the plate and in the field.
Additionally, Wright consistently contended for MVP honors, peaking at sixth place in the voting in 2012, when he produced a stellar .306 average with 21 home runs and 93 RBIs.
Not to be overlooked is his 2007 performance, where he finished fourth in the MVP race, boasting a .325 average, 30 home runs, and 107 RBIs.
Injuries during the later years of Wright’s career posed challenges that may have affected his Hall of Fame aspirations.
From 2015 to 2018, he played in only 77 games due to significant injuries, including a herniated disc in his neck, and missed the entire 2017 season while undergoing surgeries.
Drafted in the first round (38th overall) by the Mets in 2001, Wright quickly ascended to team captain, winning the hearts of fans and cementing his legacy as one of the franchise’s most beloved figures.
His story is not just about the stats; it’s a testament to perseverance and passion that resonates with teammates and supporters alike.
As he waits for future ballot results, his legacy shines undimmed, ensuring his place as a cherished star in Mets history.
