David Wright will get his chance to shine on Saturday. Before they play the Cincinnati Reds, the New York Mets will celebrate their second anniversary, retire Wright’s number five, and induct him into the team’s Hall of Fame.
Wright is among the greatest players to ever call Queens home and the most prominent Mets player of a generation. He served as Team USA’s Captain America and joined Keith Hernandez, Gary Carter, and John Franco as the fourth captain of New York in 2013.
On Saturday, Wright will be honored for his character as well as his achievements. In the opinion of Mets supporters, his blend of skill and leadership is exceptional, maybe unmatched. However, since Wright’s retirement, shortstop Francisco Lindor has become a legend, winning over the Flushing fans, overcoming hardship, and becoming the heart and soul of a team that is vying for a title.
Francisco Lindor is on deck
Lindor has been instrumental in New York’s comeback more than any other player. In addition to hitting two of the season’s most significant home runs—one to send the Mets to the playoffs and another to put the closing touches on the Philadelphia Phillies in the NLDS—the 2024 NL MVP runner-up propelled an incredible postseason run.
Since coming in 2021, Lindor has gone from being jeered to being adored. As a result, he is now the clear favorite to be the next captain of New York.
That news might arrive sooner rather than later.
MLB uploaded the “Captains of the New York Mets” video on their website on Wednesday, but it was swiftly removed. Wright talked on what it meant to be the Mets’ captain in the minute-long piece, which also featured footage of Hernandez, Carter, and Franco before him.
The emphasis switches to Lindor halfway through, highlighting his most memorable times in New York.
Ron Darling stated that “if Carlos Mendoza and the organization wants to drop a ‘C’ on him,” “It makes sense.”
The decision has been made by the Mets. Lindor will shortly get that honor, regardless of whether the announcement is made formally Thursday during SNY’s debut of “The Wright Way” or on Saturday when No. 5 is permanently retired.
This is his team, to put it simply. And the enduring impression will be that not much will change when Lindor finally does his news conference, twelve years after Wright’s. Lindor has been the captain of the Mets for many years. It’s going to be official soon.
