View source for David Wright

{{short description|American baseball player (born 1982)}}
{{other uses}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2014}}
{{Infobox baseball biography
|name         = David Wright 
|image        = File:WrightMarch2016.jpg
|image_size   = 250
|caption      = Wright with the New York Mets in 2016
|position     = [[Third baseman]]
|bats         = Right
|throws       = Right
|birth_date   = {{Birth date and age|mf=yes|1982|12|20}}
|birth_place  = [[Norfolk, Virginia]], U.S.
|debutleague  = MLB
|debutdate    = July 21
|debutyear    = 2004
|debutteam    = New York Mets
|finalleague  = MLB
|finaldate    = September 29  
|finalyear    = 2018
|finalteam    = New York Mets
|statleague   = MLB
|stat1label   = [[Batting average (baseball)|Batting average]]
|stat1value   = .296
|stat2label   = [[Home run]]s
|stat2value   = 242
|stat3label   = [[Runs batted in]]
|stat3value   = 970
|teams        =
* [[New York Mets]] ({{mlby|2004}}–{{mlby|2016}}, {{mlby|2018}})
|awards       =
* 7× [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] ([[2006 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2006]]–[[2010 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2010]], [[2012 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2012]], [[2013 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2013]])
* 2× [[Rawlings Gold Glove Award|Gold Glove Award]] (2007, 2008)
* 2× [[Silver Slugger Award]] (2007, 2008)
<!--Wright will have his number retired and Mets HOF induction on July 19, 2025
* [[New York Mets#Retired numbers|New York Mets No. 5]] retired
* [[New York Mets#Mets Hall of Fame|New York Mets Hall of Fame]]-->
}}
'''David Allen Wright''' (born December 20, 1982) is an American former professional [[baseball]] [[third baseman]] who spent his entire 14-year [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB) career with the [[New York Mets]]. Chosen by the Mets in the [[2001 Major League Baseball draft|2001 MLB draft]], he made his MLB debut on July 21, 2004 at [[Shea Stadium]]. Internationally, Wright [[United States national baseball team|represented the United States]]. Wright was nicknamed "'''Captain America'''" after his performance in the [[2013 World Baseball Classic]] where he led the tournament with 10 RBI and a .438 batting average and was named to the [[2013_World_Baseball_Classic#2013_All-World_Baseball_Classic_team|All-World Baseball Classic Team]].<ref>{{cite news |last=McCarron |first=Anthony |date=March 12, 2013 |title=At World Baseball Classic, NY Mets' David Wright aka 'Captain America' knocks in five runs for Team USA in 7-1 win over Puerto Rico |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/mets/captain-america-fits-wright-classic-article-1.1286961 |work=[[New York Daily News]]|access-date=March 10, 2022}}</ref>

Wright is a seven-time [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]], a two-time [[Gold Glove Award]] winner, a two-time [[Silver Slugger Award]] winner, and a member of the [[30–30 club]]. One of the most beloved players in franchise history, Wright is the Mets' all-time leader in career plate appearances and holds many other franchise records for position players. He was named [[captain (baseball)|captain]] of the Mets in 2013, becoming the fourth captain in the team's history. Wright is the third player to play in at least 10 MLB seasons and play his entire MLB career with the Mets.

Throughout the latter half of Wright's career, he was plagued by injuries, most notably [[spinal stenosis]], as well as additional ailments in his neck and shoulder. After missing significant time from 2015 to 2018 and receiving word from doctors that his spinal stenosis would not improve, Wright announced that 2018 would be his final season as an active player. Wright finished his major league career with a .296 career batting average, 242 home runs, and 970 runs batted in.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wrighda03.shtml|title=David Wright Stats|work=Baseball-Reference}}</ref> Upon completion of his playing career, Wright was  named a special advisor in the Mets front office.

==Early life==
[[File:David Wright and Michael Cuddyer (16157736554) (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|Wright (right) and [[Michael Cuddyer]] played baseball together as children in Virginia before playing together on the Mets in 2015.]]
Wright was born in [[Norfolk, Virginia]], the oldest of four sons of Rhon, a police officer in the [[Norfolk Police Department]], and Elisa Wright.<ref name="dad">{{cite web|author1=Jeff Roberts|title=Mets: David Wright's dad is his hero|url=http://www.northjersey.com/sports/baseball/a-father-a-coach-a-hero-1.1035500?page=all|website=[[NorthJersey.com]]|access-date=20 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518085909/http://www.northjersey.com/sports/baseball/a-father-a-coach-a-hero-1.1035500?page=all|archive-date=18 May 2015|date=14 June 2014}}</ref> Wright grew up a Mets fan due to his proximity to the [[Triple-A (baseball)|Class AAA]] [[Norfolk Tides]], whose stadium was ten minutes from his home.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jockbio.com/Bios/Wright/Wright_bio.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041018114117/http://www.jockbio.com/Bios/Wright/Wright_bio.html |archive-date=October 18, 2004 |title=JockBio: David Wright Biography}}</ref> Wright took hitting lessons alongside fellow future Major Leaguer [[Michael Cuddyer]] in elementary school and played on teams with [[Ryan Zimmerman]], [[Mark Reynolds (baseball)|Mark Reynolds]], [[B. J. Upton]] and [[Justin Upton]] during high school.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Jenkins |first1=Lee |title=Virginia's Boy Wonders |url=https://www.si.com/vault/2008/09/29/105737647/virginias-boy-wonders |access-date=7 November 2019 |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]] |date=September 29, 2008 }}</ref> Wright played baseball at [[Hickory High School (Virginia)|Hickory High School]] in [[Chesapeake, Virginia]]. He committed to play [[college baseball]] at [[Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets baseball|Georgia Tech]] before his senior year of high school. As a high school senior, he had a .538 [[batting average (baseball)|batting average]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hale |first1=Mark |title=College Coach Wonders What Would Have Been with Wright |url=https://nypost.com/2009/05/09/college-coach-wonders-what-wood-have-been-with-wright/ |access-date=7 November 2019 |work=[[New York Post]] |date=9 May 2009 }}</ref>

==Professional career==
===Minor leagues===
The [[New York Mets]] selected Wright in the [[2001 Major League Baseball draft|2001 MLB draft]] during the supplemental round as compensation for the Mets' loss of [[Mike Hampton]] to the [[Colorado Rockies]] in free agency. Wright was selected after future teammate [[Aaron Heilman]] who had been selected in the first round.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Snyder |first1=John |title=Mets Journal: Year by Year and Day by Day with the New York Mets Since 1962 |date=2011 |publisher=Clerisy Press |isbn=978-1-57860-473-9 |pages=272–73 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tpeLAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA272 |access-date=10 June 2020 }}</ref> According to then-Mets manager [[Bobby Valentine]], Wright had caught the attention of coach [[Tom Robson (baseball)|Tom Robson]] who had actually been sent "down to Virginia to scout someone else."<ref>{{cite news |title=Former big league player, coach Tom Robson dead at age 75 |url=https://apnews.com/article/mlb-new-york-arizona-new-york-mets-cincinnati-reds-539ff6a3f4516703796ae7296df21648 |access-date=25 April 2021 |work=AP News |agency=[[Associated Press]] |date=April 21, 2021}}</ref>

Wright progressed steadily in his first three years of [[minor league]] play, winning the Sterling award for best player on the class A [[St. Lucie Mets]] in [[2003 in baseball|2003]]. In [[2004 in baseball|2004]], he quickly rose from the [[Double-A (baseball)|Double-A]] [[Binghamton Mets]] to the [[Triple-A (baseball)|Triple-A]] [[Norfolk Tides]] to the major leagues.

===New York Mets===
====2004====
On July 21, 2004, Wright made his major league debut starting at third base against the [[Montreal Expos]] at [[Shea Stadium]]. The next day, Wright picked up his first career hit, a double off of Expos' pitcher [[Zach Day]]. On July 26, Wright hit his first major league home run, a solo blast off of pitcher [[John Patterson (pitcher)|John Patterson]]. Wright finished his rookie season with a .293 batting average, 14 home runs and 40 RBI in 263 at-bats in 69 games, and was voted as the [[This Year in Baseball Awards]] Rookie of the Year.

====2005====
Wright made an over-the-shoulder barehanded catch during the seventh inning of a game at [[Petco Park]] against the [[San Diego Padres]] on August 9, 2005. With one out in the inning, [[Brian Giles]] hit a broken-bat blooper {{convert|20|ft|m}} beyond the edge of the outfield grass. Wright, retreating quickly with his back to home plate, extended his bare right hand and caught the ball cleanly while crashing to the field. Wright maintained control of the ball after landing hard on the outfield grass. The sellout crowd at Petco Park acknowledged the splendor of the catch with a standing ovation lasting several minutes. This play was voted the "This Year in Baseball Play of the Year."<ref name="TYIB">{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/awards/y2005/tyib/index.jsp|title=2005 This Year in Baseball Awards|work=Major League Baseball|date=January 1, 2011|access-date=November 13, 2011}}</ref>

In 2005, the 22-year-old Wright played in 160 games and batted .306 with 27 home runs, 102 RBIs, 99 runs scored, 42 doubles, and 17 stolen bases, leading the team in average, runs, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, RBI, doubles, and finishing second in home runs to [[Cliff Floyd]] (34). Wright was also in the top 10 in the [[National League (baseball)|National League]] for average, hits, total bases, RBI, extra-base hits, and runs. However, his 24 errors tied him with [[Troy Glaus]] for the most errors by a third baseman in the major leagues.<ref name="espn-error">{{cite web |title=MLB Player Fielding Stats - As 3B - 2005 |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/stats/fielding/_/year/2005/position/3b/sort/errors |access-date=May 17, 2022 |publisher=ESPN}}</ref>

====2006====
[[File:David Wright warmup 2.jpg|thumbnail|right|Wright warming up for the Mets in 2006]]
In 2006, Wright was named National League Co-Player of the Week for June 12–18 along with teammate [[José Reyes (infielder)|José Reyes]].<ref name="PlayerOfTheWeek">{{cite web|author=Jenifer Langosch|url=http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20060703&content_id=1536755&vkey=pr_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlbb|title=David Wright of Mets and Chris Young of Padres voted National League Player and Pitcher of the Month for June|publisher=New York Mets|date=January 1, 2011|access-date=November 13, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109142304/http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20060703&content_id=1536755&vkey=pr_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlbb|archive-date=January 9, 2016|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> For the month, Wright batted .327 with 10 home runs and 29 RBIs.

Wright also provided his share of heroics throughout the 2006 season. His first game-winning hit occurred on May 5 with a 2-out double just out of the reach of a chasing [[Andruw Jones]] in the bottom of the 14th inning off [[Jorge Sosa (baseball)|Jorge Sosa]] to defeat the [[Atlanta Braves]], 8–7. Two weeks later on May 19, he hit a walk-off single off Yankees closer [[Mariano Rivera]] that just sailed over the head of center fielder [[Johnny Damon]] as the Mets rallied to beat the Yankees in the first game of the 2006 [[Subway Series]], 7–6. He capped off the month on [[Memorial Day]], May 29, with a single to the wall in left-center field off [[Arizona Diamondbacks]] closer [[José Valverde]] scoring [[José Reyes (infielder)|José Reyes]] from first base as the Mets defeated Arizona, 8–7. Wright also made a game-saving stop at third base of a would-be game-tying single by [[Mike Lieberthal]] for the final out of a 4–3 Mets victory over the [[Philadelphia Phillies]] on August 5.

Wright was voted on to his first [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|MLB All-Star Game]] as the starting third baseman for the NL. During the 2006 season, Wright collected 74 RBIs before the All-Star break, breaking the Mets record previously held by [[Mike Piazza]], who had 72 RBIs in 2000. Wright also participated in the [[2006 Major League Baseball Home Run Derby|2006 Home Run Derby]], reaching the final round but finishing second to [[Ryan Howard]] of the [[Philadelphia Phillies]]. He hit 22 home runs in the contest, including 16 in the first round, the third-highest total in any one round in the history of the [[Home Run Derby]].<ref name="SIHRDerby">{{cite news|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/baseball/mlb/specials/all_star/2006/07/10/home.run.derby.ap/index.html|title=King of swing|access-date=July 11, 2006|date=July 10, 2006|agency=Associated Press|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060721084235/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/baseball/mlb/specials/all_star/2006/07/10/home.run.derby.ap/index.html|archive-date=July 21, 2006}}</ref> The following night, he hit a home run in his first [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star Game]] at-bat off [[American League]] starter [[Kenny Rogers (baseball)|Kenny Rogers]].

Wright ranked among the club's top three hitters in all offensive categories for the [[2006 New York Mets season|2006 Mets]], who were the second most run-scoring team in the National League. Fans at [[Shea Stadium]] have routinely greeted Wright's performances with chants of "M-V-P, M-V-P." According to then-teammate [[Tom Glavine]], "He's probably been our most clutch hitter over the first half of the season and he's certainly thrown his hat into the MVP talks."<ref name="MVPtalk">{{cite web|url=http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/mets/ny-spmets104812710jul10,0,3098740.story|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060719092631/http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/mets/ny-spmets104812710jul10,0,3098740.story|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 19, 2006|title=An All-Star Met makes own break|access-date=July 24, 2006|last=Lennon|first=David|date=July 10, 2006|publisher=[[Newsday]]}}</ref>

On August 6, 2006, Wright signed a 6-year, $55 million contract extension with the Mets, as well as a $1.5 million signing bonus. The contract paid him $1 million in 2007, $5 million in 2008, $7.5 million in 2009, $10 million in 2010, $14 million in 2011, and $15 million in 2012. The contract also contained a club option for 2013 worth $16 million. Wright has already announced that he will donate $1.5 million to the Mets Foundation throughout the course of this contract.<ref name="contract">{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=2541623|title=Mets sign Wright to six-year, $55M extension|access-date=May 17, 2022|work=ESPN|date=August 6, 2006|agency=Associated Press}}</ref>

The Mets clinched the [[National League East|NL East]] title in 2006 and returned to the playoffs for the first time since [[2000 New York Mets season|2000]]. Wright finished the 2006 season batting .311 with 26 home runs, 116 RBI, 40 doubles, and 20 stolen bases in 154 games played. However, he struggled in his first postseason, going 4-for-25 (.160) in the Mets' NLCS loss to the [[St. Louis Cardinals]], and batting .216 in 10 postseason games.<ref>{{Cite web |title=David Wright Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wrighda03.shtml |access-date=2025-01-10 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

After the season, Wright participated in the [[2006 MLB Japan All-Star Series]] along with teammates [[José Reyes (infielder)|José Reyes]], [[Julio Franco]], and [[John Maine]].

====2007====
As of April 21, 2007, Wright had a hitting streak of 26 regular-season games; the previous team record was 24, held by [[Mike Piazza]] and [[Hubie Brooks]]. He had a hit in the 12 final regular-season games of the 2006 season, and had a hit in all of the first 14 games of the 2007 season.<ref>[https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=AjjuL5Y6jpWi2t_iW9bIiIkRvLYF?slug=ap-mets-wrightsstreak&prov=ap&type=lgns Wright sets Mets record with 25-game hitting streak]{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}. Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved on 2007-04-18.</ref> Wright's hit streak of 26 regular-season games ended on April 21, 2007, against the Atlanta Braves at Shea Stadium.

On September 16, 2007, Wright became the 29th player in baseball history to join the [[30–30 club]], after hitting a 7th inning solo home run against the [[Philadelphia Phillies]] at Shea Stadium. He is only the third player to reach this milestone before his 25th birthday, and only the third Met to reach this milestone in club history, the other two being [[Howard Johnson (baseball)|Howard Johnson]] and [[Darryl Strawberry]].

Wright finished the 2007 season with a .325 batting average, 30 home runs, 107 RBI, and 34 stolen bases. He was awarded the 2007 [[Gold Glove Award|Gold Glove]] and the [[Silver Slugger Award]] at third base. Wright also was fourth in the [[Major League Baseball Most Valuable Player Award|NL MVP]] voting receiving 182 votes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=3120573 |title=Rollins, who spurred Phils into playoffs, wins MVP |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=November 21, 2007 |access-date=May 17, 2022}}</ref>

====2008====
[[File:David Wright on June 23, 2008.jpg|thumbnail|left|Wright in mid-swing]]
Wright began the year with two doubles, including a bases-clearing double, in finishing 2–4 with three RBIs in the Mets' [[Opening Day]] victory over the [[Miami Marlins|Florida Marlins]], 7–2. With the RBIs, Wright already halfway matched his RBI production from the preceding April. In the final game of the series, Wright went 3–5 with a home run. On April 13, 2008, Wright hit his 100th career home run, a solo shot off of [[Milwaukee Brewers]] pitcher [[Jeff Suppan]]. 

On August 7, Wright hit the first [[walk-off home run]] of his career against the [[San Diego Padres]], giving the Mets a 5–3 victory.

On November 5, Wright was announced as the recipient of the [[Gold Glove Award]] for third basemen. It was the second consecutive year in which Wright won the award. His teammate, [[Carlos Beltrán]], also won the award for center fielders. He also won his second [[Silver Slugger Award]].

On December 22, Wright was announced as a member of Team USA in the [[2009 World Baseball Classic]] (WBC) to be held in March 2009. The third base position was taken by [[Alex Rodriguez]] in the [[2006 World Baseball Classic|2006 WBC]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081222&content_id=3725694&vkey=news_nym&fext=.jsp&c_id=nym|work=Major League Baseball|date=December 22, 2008|access-date=June 30, 2009|author=Anthony DiComo|title=Wright to join Team USA in Classic|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090215012158/http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081222&content_id=3725694&vkey=news_nym&fext=.jsp&c_id=nym|archive-date=February 15, 2009|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

Wright finished seventh in the voting for the 2008 [[Major League Baseball Most Valuable Player Award|NL MVP]] award after finishing the season with a .302 batting average, 33 home runs and 124 RBI.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081117&content_id=3681885&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb|work=Major League Baseball|date=November 17, 2008|access-date=June 30, 2009|author=Matthew Leach|title=Crowning achievement: Pujols NL MVP|archive-date=May 26, 2024|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240526101153/https://www.webcitation.org/6CsnB3CnD?url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp%3Fymd=20081117|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====2009====
On April 13, 2009, Wright hit the first Mets home run in [[Citi Field]] history on [[Opening Day]]. The three-run homer was hit off [[San Diego Padres]] pitcher [[Walter Silva]] in the 5th inning.<ref>{{cite web |title=Padres vs. Mets - Game Recap |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=290413121 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517165306/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=290413121 |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 17, 2022 |website=ESPN |access-date=May 17, 2022 |date=April 13, 2009}}</ref>

In mid-August, when 10 Mets players were on the [[Injured list|disabled list]], Wright was added to the list after sustaining an injury on August 15. Wright suffered a concussion when he was hit in the head with a {{convert|93|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} [[fastball]] by [[San Francisco Giants]] pitcher [[Matt Cain]]. He was admitted to the [[Hospital for Special Surgery]], where he underwent a precautionary [[CT scan]], which turned out negative.<ref>{{cite news|title=Mets' David Wright leaves game after getting drilled in the head by fastball from Giants' Matt Cain
|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/mets/mets-david-wright-leaves-game-drilled-head-fastball-giants-matt-cain-article-1.398611|date=August 15, 2009|access-date=August 15, 2009|location=New York|work=Daily News|first=Anthony|last=Mccarron}}</ref> The following day, he left the hospital diagnosed with post-concussion symptoms. He was then placed on the disabled list for the first time in his career.<ref>{{cite web|title=Health: Wright to Disabled List|url=http://www.metsblog.com/2009/08/16/health-wright-to-disabled-list/|date=August 16, 2009|access-date=August 16, 2009|publisher=SNY.tv|work=Mets blog|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090819111621/http://www.metsblog.com/2009/08/16/health-wright-to-disabled-list/|archive-date=August 19, 2009|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

Despite the injury to Wright, General Manager [[Omar Minaya]] stated that there were no plans to shut him down for the remainder of the season.<ref>{{cite web|title=Quote: Omar Minaya on David Wright Situation|url=http://www.metsblog.com/2009/08/16/quote-omar-minaya-on-david-wright-situation/|date=August 16, 2009|access-date=August 16, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090818212935/http://www.metsblog.com/2009/08/16/quote-omar-minaya-on-david-wright-situation/|archive-date=August 18, 2009|df=mdy-all}}</ref> In fact, Wright was activated from the disabled list on September 1 and started at third base against the [[Colorado Rockies]] that evening. In that game, Wright wore a new style of batting helmet (the Rawlings S100). He abandoned that helmet after wearing it in that one game. Wright explained that he found the helmet uncomfortable. "It's the last thing I need to be worrying about in the box is trying to shove it on my head. So I wanted to go back to the old one and just wait to see if there's going to be any adjustments made."<ref>{{cite web|title=Wright back to wearing old helmet| url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090904&content_id=6786910&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb| date=September 4, 2009| access-date=September 4, 2009|work=Major League Baseball|last=Bollinger|first=Rhett}}</ref> Wright experienced a decline in production after a potent campaign in 2008. His home run total dropped to 10, while his RBI total fell to 72, after hitting 33 home runs and 124 RBIs the previous season.

====2010====
Wright, along with [[José Reyes (infielder)|José Reyes]], arrived at the Mets' spring training camp in [[Port St. Lucie, Florida]] two weeks early to get a head start on preparing themselves after a disappointing 2009 campaign. Wright came into camp heavier than he was in previous seasons, adding more muscle to his body.<ref>{{cite news|title=After HRs fall off, Mets' Wright adds muscle|url=https://nypost.com/2010/02/21/after-hrs-fall-off-mets-wright-adds-muscle/|work=New York Post|first=Kevin|last=Kernan|date=February 21, 2010|access-date=May 17, 2022}}</ref>

[[File:Davidwright.jpg|thumb|right|Wright with the [[2011 New York Mets season|Mets in 2011]]]]
On Opening Day, Wright hit a two-run home run off of Marlins' pitcher [[Josh Johnson (pitcher)|Josh Johnson]] in his first at-bat of the season. On April 27 in the second game of a doubleheader against the [[Los Angeles Dodgers]], Wright hit the 1,000th hit of his career against pitcher [[Ramón Troncoso]] in the bottom of the 5th inning as he hit a two-out RBI single scoring center fielder [[Ángel Pagán]] and giving the Mets a 4–3 lead. In the following inning, Wright hit a three-run triple to the right-center field wall, scoring Pagán, [[Luis Castillo (second baseman)|Luis Castillo]], and José Reyes, and giving the Mets a 10–3 lead at the time. The Mets won the game 10–5. On May 20, he hit a three-run double after Mets manager [[Jerry Manuel]] gave Wright a day off. By June 25, Wright had 12 home runs, which led the team, and was batting .294 with 57 RBIs to lead the N.L. On July 4, Wright was named the starting third baseman for the National League in the [[2010 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2010 MLB All-Star Game]], making it Wright's fifth consecutive All-Star appearance. On July 6, Wright was named the June 2010 [[Major League Baseball Player of the Month Award|National League Player of the Month]] after he hit .404 with 11 doubles, 6 home runs, and 29 RBIs. On July 13, Wright collected 2 hits and a stolen base in the 81st All-Star Game in Anaheim, bringing him to 6-for-13 in All-Star Game at-bats and tying him for fifth all-time in All-Star Game batting average. As of August 20, he more than doubled his home run total from 2009.

Wright finished the 2010 season with a .283 batting average, .354 on-base percentage, 29 home runs, 103 RBIs, 69 walks, and 19 stolen bases.

====2011====
On April 5, 2011, Wright singled against the Phillies' Cole Hamels for his 90th career game-winning RBI, surpassing Mike Piazza for the most in Mets history. Then on May 16, after undergoing examination by team doctors, it was announced Wright had a [[stress (mechanics)|stress]] [[fracture]] in his lower back. The injury (caused by a diving tag on the [[Houston Astros]]' [[Carlos Lee]])<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/hallfame/2024/01/12/david-wright-stats-baseball-hall-of-fame-voting-tracker-results-mets/72188966007/#:~:text=Wright%20just%20didn't%20do,ceremonial%20final%20games%20in%202018. | title=Would David Wright be a Baseball Hall of Famer if injuries hadn't wrecked his career? | website=[[USA Today]] }}</ref> forced him to spend more than two months on the [[Injured list|disabled list]]. Wright was activated from the DL on July 22. That day, he went 2-for-5 and had two RBIs and scored two runs against the Marlins. In his first series coming back from the DL, Wright hit 6-for-14, with one home run, three doubles and six RBIs. Wright enjoyed a career first on August 7, against the [[Atlanta Braves]], playing [[shortstop]] for the first time in his professional career due to injuries to José Reyes (hamstring) and [[Daniel Murphy (baseball)|Daniel Murphy]] (MCL).<ref>{{cite web|last=Taube|first=Aaron|title=Injuries force Wright to play short for the first time|url=http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110807&content_id=22900336&vkey=news_nym&c_id=nym|work=Major League Baseball|access-date=August 8, 2011|date=August 7, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121009050947/http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110807&content_id=22900336&vkey=news_nym&c_id=nym|archive-date=October 9, 2012|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> In only 102 games, Wright finished the season with a .254 batting average, .345 on-base percentage, 14 home runs, 61 RBIs, 52 walks, and 13 stolen bases.

====2012====
[[File:David Wright at CitiField.jpg|thumb|Wright at [[Citi Field]] in 2012]]
On April 5, Wright went 2-for-3 with a walk on as the Mets' Opening Day third-baseman against the Braves, where Wright drove in [[Andrés Torres (baseball)|Andrés Torres]] with a single for the game-winning run in the 6th inning off of [[Tommy Hanson]], giving the Mets the 1–0 win.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2012_04_05_atlmlb_nynmlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=nym|title=Solid Johan, Wright's key hit propel Mets|work=Major League Baseball|first=Anthony|last=DiComo|date=April 5, 2012|access-date=April 5, 2012|archive-date=April 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423015321/http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2012_04_05_atlmlb_nynmlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=nym|url-status=dead}}</ref> Less than a week later, on April 11, Wright [[fracture]]d his right pinkie while diving into first base on a pick-off attempt.<ref>{{cite web|title=David Wright has broken pinkie|url=https://www.espn.com/new-york/mlb/story/_/id/7796994/new-york-mets-david-wright-suffered-broken-pinkie|work=ESPN|date=April 10, 2012|access-date=May 17, 2012}}</ref> After missing just three games, Wright returned to the lineup, going 3-for-5 against the Phillies.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rapid Reaction: Mets 5, Phillies 0|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/new-york/mets/post/_/id/42645/rapid-reaction-mets-5-phillies-0|work=ESPN|date=April 14, 2012|access-date=May 17, 2022}}</ref> Then on April 25, Wright hit a two-run home run in a 5–1 victory against the [[Miami Marlins]], giving him 735 career RBIs, passing [[Darryl Strawberry]] for the most in Mets franchise history.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2012_04_25_miamlb_nynmlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=nym|title=Wright's historic homer lifts Mets to win|work=Major League Baseball|first=Anthony|last=DiComo|date=April 25, 2012|access-date=April 26, 2012|archive-date=April 28, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120428062340/http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2012_04_25_miamlb_nynmlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=nym|url-status=dead}}</ref> Wright broke another franchise record on June 5, when he hit a solo-shot off of [[Washington Nationals]] pitcher [[Jordan Zimmermann]], driving himself in and reaching 736 runs. The previous record-holder was José Reyes at 735 runs. On July 1, it was announced that Wright had made his 6th All-Star team, but as a backup to [[Pablo Sandoval]]. Wright led the All-Star vote for most of the year but was overtaken in the last week of voting.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/new-york/mets/post/_/id/50096/sandoval-catches-wright-dickey-a-star |title=Sandoval catches Wright, Dickey a Star |access-date=May 17, 2022|last=Rubin|first=Adam|work=ESPN|date=July 1, 2012}}</ref>

For the first half of the season, Wright was either atop or close to the top of the league in both batting average and on-base percentage, and led NL third basemen in average, OBP, slugging, hits and runs scored.<ref>{{cite web|title=Wright, Dickey on NL All-Star team|url=http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120701&content_id=34263240&vkey=news_nym&c_id=nym|publisher=New York Mets|date=July 1, 2012|access-date=July 2, 2012|last=DiComo|first=Anthony|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120705041251/http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120701&content_id=34263240&vkey=news_nym&c_id=nym|archive-date=July 5, 2012|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> After the All-Star break, the Mets had their worst stretch to that point in the season, losing six straight, but on July 19, Wright hit two home runs and had five RBIs to help the Mets end their losing streak.<ref>{{cite web|title=Wright belts pair of homers as Dickey wins 13th|url=http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2012_07_19_nynmlb_wasmlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=nym#gid=2012_07_19_nynmlb_wasmlb_1&mode=box|work=Major League Baseball|access-date=July 19, 2012|archive-date=July 21, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120721231557/http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2012_07_19_nynmlb_wasmlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=nym#gid=2012_07_19_nynmlb_wasmlb_1&mode=box|url-status=dead}}</ref> He hit his 200th career home run in a loss on August 24 to the [[Houston Astros]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120824&content_id=37278428&vkey=news_nym&c_id=nym|title=Wright's 200th career homer upheld after review|work=[[MLB]]|date=August 24, 2012|last=DiComo|first=Anthony|access-date=August 25, 2012}}</ref> On September 25, Wright tied the all-time Mets hit record with [[Ed Kranepool]] with 1,418 hits in a game at home against the [[Pittsburgh Pirates]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Wright Ties Kranepool's Franchise Hit Mark During Mets' Loss To Pirates|date=September 25, 2012|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/wright-ties-kranepools-franchise-hit-mark-during-mets-loss-to-pirates/|publisher=CBS New York|access-date=May 17, 2022}}</ref> Then on September 26, Wright surpassed Kranepool as Mets all-time hit record holder with an infield single also at home against the Pirates.

After the season, Wright finished 6th in the voting for the 2012 NL MVP Award.

====Contract extension====
On November 30, 2012, [[Ed Coleman (sportscaster)|Ed Coleman]] and [[WFAN (AM)|WFAN]] reported that Wright and the Mets agreed to a seven-year, $138 million contract extension (7 years for $122 million plus a club option for $16 million that the club picked up for the 2013 season). The contract became official on December 4 after Wright passed a physical.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20121204&content_id=40518804&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb|title=Mets, David Wright make contract extension official|last=DiComo|first=Anthony|work=Major League Baseball|date=December 4, 2012|access-date=December 4, 2012}}</ref> Wright was represented in negotiations by Seth and Sam Levinson of ACES Inc.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/jayson-stark/post/_/id/56/new-york-mets-david-wright-belong-together-forever|title=David Wright, Mets do the right thing|last=Stark|first=Jayson|work=ESPN|date=November 30, 2012|access-date=May 17, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://acesincbaseball.com|title=Home Page|website=ACES Baseball Agency : Sam Levinson and Seth Levinson}}</ref>

Wright's $138 million deal was contrary to the Mets budget-conscious policy of not giving huge contracts to players in their 30s; nonetheless general manager [[Sandy Alderson]] made an exception as he viewed Wright as a leader and role model, both on and off the field. At the same time, many agents and front-office executives suggested that had Wright waited a year and became a free agent, he could have received a deal close to $200 million.<ref name="mlb.com">{{cite web|url=http://m.mlb.com/news/article/116754034/veteran-leader-david-wright-eyes-return-to-prominence|title=Veteran leader David Wright eyes return to prominence|work=Major League Baseball|access-date=January 8, 2016|archive-date=January 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109142305/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/116754034/veteran-leader-david-wright-eyes-return-to-prominence|url-status=dead}}</ref> Although it had been six years since the Mets' last playoff appearance and four years since their last winning season, Alderson managed to persuade Wright to stay as the Mets' farm system had young talented pitchers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.northjersey.com/news/sullivan-david-wright-is-a-bridge-to-the-mets-past-a-leader-in-the-now-1.1439044|title=Sullivan: David Wright is a bridge to the Mets' past, a leader in the now|author=Tara Sullivan|work=NorthJersey.com|access-date=January 8, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Ackert |first=Kristie |date=October 26, 2015 |title=David Wright's faith in Sandy Alderson's plan for Mets pays off with trip to World Series |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/mets/david-wright-faith-alderson-plan-mets-pays-article-1.2412373 |work=[[New York Daily News]] |location= |access-date=March 19, 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210305011525/https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/mets/david-wright-faith-alderson-plan-mets-pays-article-1.2412373 |archive-date=March 5, 2021}}</ref>

Wright's contract had deferments which would be paid out through 2025.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mets To Pay For Wright's Eight-Year Contract Through 2025|date=December 13, 2012|url=http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/12/13/mets-to-pay-for-wrights-eight-year-contract-through-2025/|publisher=CBS News New York|access-date=December 13, 2012}}</ref> The Mets obtained injury insurance on the contract which kicked in after he missed 60 days, allowing the team to recoup 75 percent of his salary while he is unable to play.<ref>{{cite magazine |last= <!-- credited to SI Wire --> |first= |date=May 27, 2015 |title=Report: David Wright's contract insures Mets against injury |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/2015/05/27/david-wright-contract-new-york-mets-injury-insurance |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]] |location= |access-date=March 19, 2022}}</ref>

====2013====
After a spring training game on March 21, 2013, the Mets announced that Wright had been named the fourth team [[Captain (baseball)|captain]] in Mets history, joining [[Keith Hernandez]], [[Gary Carter]], and [[John Franco]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://metsblog.com/metsblog/david-wright-named-captain-of-the-mets/|title=David Wright named captain of the Mets|work=SNY|access-date=January 8, 2016}}</ref>

Wright got his 1,500th career hit on June 18 against the [[Atlanta Braves]] off of pitcher [[Cory Gearrin]].

Wright was named the National League's [[Home Run Derby]] team captain for the [[2013 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2013 MLB All-Star Game]].<ref>{{cite web|title=David Wright, Robinson Cano Named Captains For Home Run Derby|date=June 12, 2013|url=http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2013/06/12/david-wright-robinson-cano-named-captains-for-home-run-derby/|publisher=WCBS New York|access-date=June 12, 2013}}</ref> He selected [[Carlos González (baseball)|Carlos González]], [[Michael Cuddyer]], and [[Bryce Harper]] as the other three participants for the National League. González, who was injured at the time, was later replaced by [[Pedro Álvarez (baseball)|Pedro Álvarez]]. Wright would hit five home runs in the Derby, but would not move on.

On July 6, Wright was named the starting third baseman for the National League team in the [[2013 MLB All-Star Game]]. In the All-Star Game, Wright went 1-for-3. He also became the fourth Mets player to appear in at least seven All-Star games.

On August 3, Wright was placed on the 15-day disabled list a day after he strained his right [[hamstring]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Mets Place Captain David Wright On 15-Day DL, Call Up Mike Baxter|url=http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2013/08/03/mets-place-captain-david-wright-on-15-day-dl-call-up-mike-baxter/|work=CBS News|date=August 3, 2013|access-date=August 3, 2013}}</ref> Upon his return from the disabled list, Wright hit two home runs in his first two games, surpassing [[Mike Piazza]] for the second-most home runs hit by a player in a Mets uniform, behind [[Darryl Strawberry]]. Wright played in 112 games in 2013, batting .307 with 18 home runs, 58 RBIs and 17 steals.

====2014====
[[File:Wright2014.jpg|thumb|left|Wright batting for the Mets in 2014]]
Wright was chosen as the "Face of MLB" in a contest online in February 2014. He narrowly beat out [[Oakland Athletics]] infielder [[Eric Sogard]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mercurynews.com/athletics/ci_25246672/eric-sogard-falls-short-face-mlb|title=A's Eric Sogard falls short in the Face of MLB|date=February 28, 2014|work=[[San Jose Mercury News]]|agency=Bay Area News Group|access-date=February 28, 2014}}</ref>

Wright finished second in All-Star voting for [[third base]] to the Brewers' [[Aramis Ramírez]], making it only the third time in 10 seasons he had been left out.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=431151&c_id=nym&player_name=David-Wright#gameType='R'&sectionType=career&statType=1&season=2014&level='ALL'|title=David Wright Stats, Fantasy & News|work=New York Mets|access-date=January 8, 2016}}</ref> Second baseman [[Daniel Murphy (baseball)|Daniel Murphy]] represented the Mets at the [[2014 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2014 MLB All-Star Game]].

Wright's 2014 performance declined from previous years. He hit at a .269 clip, his lowest batting average since his 2011 season was shortened due to injury. Wright's .269/.324/.374 slash line was attributed to a recurring shoulder injury. Early in the season, he sustained a left rotator cuff contusion which slowed his offensive production and hurt his defense. Wright also finished the year playing in 134 games with 8 home runs, 63 RBI, and committed 15 errors, tied for most on the team.

====2015====
On April 14, 2015, Wright suffered a strained right hamstring while stealing second base. He was placed on the 15-day disabled list.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Rubin|first1=Adam|last2=Darcy|first2=Kiernan|title=Mets put David Wright on DL|url=https://www.espn.com/new-york/mlb/story/_/id/12696157/david-wright-new-york-mets-placed-disabled-list-strained-hamstring|website=ESPN|date=April 15, 2015|access-date=16 April 2015}}</ref> He was later diagnosed with [[spinal stenosis]], and was expected to return towards the end of the season.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Waldstein|first1=David|title=For Mets, David Wright's Injury Could Bring Back Revolving Door at Third|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/31/sports/baseball/for-mets-david-wrights-injury-could-bring-back-revolving-door-at-third.html|access-date=2 June 2015|work=The New York Times|date=May 20, 2015}}</ref> Wright was placed on the 60-day DL for his injury on July 24, to clear up space on the 40-man roster. On August 10, the Mets sent Wright on a rehab assignment to the [[St. Lucie Mets]].

Following [[Chase Utley]]'s trade from the [[Philadelphia Phillies]] to the [[Los Angeles Dodgers]] in August, Wright became the longest-tenured active player to have played his entire career with one team. His 1,516 games with the Mets had previously only trailed Utley's 1,551 games with the Phillies.<ref>{{cite web|date=August 20, 2015|last=Rubin|first=Adam|title=David Wright becomes longest-tenured with one team|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/new-york/mets/post/_/id/109150/david-wright-becomes-longest-tenured-with-one-team|website=ESPN|access-date=August 21, 2015}}</ref>

Wright returned from his injury for the Mets' August 24 game in Philadelphia. In his first at-bat, he hit a home run off Phillies pitcher [[Adam Morgan (baseball)|Adam Morgan]], the first of a club record eight home runs the Mets would hit in a 16–7 victory.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/david-wright-returns-to-mets-with-home-run/c-145105416 |title=Welcome back, Captain: Wright homers in 1st at-bat |last1=DiComo |first1=Anthony |date=August 25, 2015 |website=MLB.com |access-date=December 16, 2017 }}</ref> His return helped propel the Mets to the [[2015 World Series]] against the [[Kansas City Royals]]. In his only World Series appearance, he committed an error in the 14th inning that led to the winning run as the Royals took a 5–4 victory in Game 1. In Game 3, he went 2-for-4 with 4 RBIs including his only World Series home run, off of [[Yordano Ventura]] as part of the Mets' 9–3 victory in their only win of the series. Wright played in only 38 games for the Mets in 2015, batting a slash line of .289/.379/.434 with a career-low 5 home runs and 17 RBI.

====2016====
As a result of his spinal stenosis, Wright had to complete an extensive pre-game workout routine consisting of physical therapy, exercise, and some minimal batting and fielding drills. The entire process takes about 4–5 hours.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.amazinavenue.com/2016/4/8/11383738/david-wright-mets-workout-spinal-stenosis | title=Here's what David Wright's pre-game workout routine looks like | publisher=amazingavenue.com | date=April 8, 2016 | access-date=May 23, 2016 }}</ref> On May 21, 2016, Wright hit a bases-loaded single off of [[Milwaukee Brewers]] pitcher [[Michael Blazek]] to break a tie in the bottom of the 9th inning and give the Mets a 5–4 victory.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.nj.com/mets/index.ssf/2016/05/mets_david_wright_walk-off_hit_vs_brewers.html | title=Mets' David Wright delivers walk-off single vs. Brewers | publisher=nj.com | date=May 22, 2016| access-date=May 23, 2016 }}</ref> On June 3, Wright was placed on the disabled list due to a [[Disc herniation|herniated disc]] in his neck.<ref>{{cite news|title=Mets place David Wright on disabled list with neck injury|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/jun/3/mets-place-david-wright-on-disabled-list-with-neck/|access-date=3 June 2016|work=[[The Washington Times]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]|date=June 3, 2016}}</ref> On June 16, he underwent neck surgery to repair the disc. Wright missed the remainder of the 2016 season, having played a career-low 37 games and batted .226/.350/.438 with 7 home runs and 14 RBI, the lowest batting average and RBI of his career.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wrighda03.shtml|title = David Wright Stats}}</ref>

====2017====
On February 28, 2017, after rehabbing from his neck surgery, Wright was diagnosed with a right shoulder impingement which, at the time, jeopardized his ability to play on Opening Day. He was, however, allowed to continue hitting as the injury only affected his ability to throw. This was yet another serious injury for Wright, which prompted people to ask General Manager [[Sandy Alderson]] if he thought that Wright would ever be able to play competitively again. He responded, "I don't think we're at that point, the point where that concern is at a more heightened level. This is all part of the process of rehabilitation from the neck surgery and it's taking longer than usual. I'm sure David would have hoped and we would hope – but it's all part of the process." On September 4, it was revealed that Wright would undergo rotator cuff surgery on his right shoulder, which prevented him from playing in the majors all year in 2017.<ref>{{cite web|last1=DiComo|first1=Anthony|title=David Wright will have right rotator cuff surgery|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/david-wright-will-have-season-ending-surgery-c252333700|publisher=MLB|access-date=September 4, 2017}}</ref> He underwent surgery the following day.<ref>{{cite web|title=David Wright underwent rotator cuff surgery today|url=https://www.sny.tv/mets/news/david-wright-underwent-rotator-cuff-surgery-today/252333736|publisher=SNY|access-date=September 5, 2017}}</ref>

====2018====
[[File:David Wright Leaving the Game (30064424537) (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|Wright acknowledging the crowd during his final professional game on September 29, 2018]]
On March 13, 2018, Wright experienced even more setbacks due to lingering back and shoulder injuries. At that point, he was shut down from baseball activities completely.<ref>{{cite web|title=David Wright to have no baseball activity for 8 weeks|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/injury-issues-persist-for-mets-david-wright/c-268589704|publisher=MLB|access-date=March 13, 2018}}</ref> On June 1, he was cleared to start baseball activities again. On June 25, he participated in batting practice at [[Citi Field]]. On August 12, Wright was slated to play five innings with the Single-A St. Lucie team at [[Clearwater, Florida|Clearwater]].<ref>[https://nypost.com/2018/08/11/mets-david-wright-set-to-play-baseball-again/ Mets' David Wright set to play baseball again] Retrieved August 12, 2018</ref> On August 28, Wright was promoted to AAA Las Vegas to continue his rehab, and singled in his first at bat.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/51sbaseball/51s-drew-gagnon-throws-complete-game-shutout-against-tacoma/ |title=51s' Drew Gagnon throws complete game shutout against Tacoma |first=Betsy |last=Helfand |newspaper=[[Las Vegas Review-Journal]] |date=August 28, 2018 |access-date=September 28, 2018}}</ref>

On September 13, the Mets announced that Wright would be activated from the disabled list for the Mets' last homestand of the season and start the September 29 game against the [[Miami Marlins]], his last appearance before retirement.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2018/09/13/david-wright-will-play-for-the-mets-again/|title=David Wright will play in Mets' season-ending homestand|work=New York Post|date=September 13, 2018|access-date=September 13, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Kepner |first=Tyler |date=2018-09-30 |title=For David Wright, the Mets' No. 5, a Sweet End to a Painful Journey |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/29/sports/baseball/david-wright-mets-.html |access-date=2024-04-24 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Wagner |first=James |date=2018-09-13 |title=Mets' David Wright to Return, and Then Retire |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/13/sports/baseball/mets-david-wright-retires.html |access-date=2024-04-24 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> On September 28, he grounded out as a [[pinch hitter]] against the Marlins, his first MLB appearance in over two years.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/david-wright-pinch-hits-in-return-to-lineup/c-296408452 |title=Wright on! After 2 1/2 years, David pinch-hits |first=Anthony |last=DiComo |website=[[MLB.com]] |date=September 28, 2018 |access-date=September 28, 2018}}</ref> On the following day, Wright batted 0-for-1 with a walk and fielded one ground ball before being removed in the fifth inning to a lengthy ovation by fans and players alike.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4SLDraTvs8?t=330|title=David Wright is removed from the game|website=[[YouTube]] |date=September 29, 2018 }}</ref> The Mets went on to win the ballgame, 1–0, with [[Austin Jackson (baseball)|Austin Jackson]] hitting a walk-off double in the 13th inning. After the game, Wright addressed the Citi Field crowd, thanking them for supporting him throughout his career.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4SLDraTvs8&t=19m26s|title = David Wright's emotional goodbye to baseball|website = [[YouTube]]| date=September 29, 2018 }}</ref>

===Career statistics===
In 1585 games over 14 seasons, Wright posted a .296 [[batting average (baseball)|batting average]] (1777-for-5998) with 949 [[run (baseball)|runs scored]], 390 [[double (baseball)|doubles]], 26 [[triple (baseball)|triples]], 242 [[Home run|home runs]], 970 [[Run batted in|runs batted in]], 196 [[Stolen base|stolen bases]], 762 [[Base on balls|walks]], .376 [[on-base percentage]], .491 [[slugging percentage]], and .867 [[on-base plus slugging]]. Defensively, he recorded a .955 [[fielding percentage]] as a third baseman. In 24 postseason games, he hit only .198 (18-for-91) with 5 doubles, 2 home runs, 13 RBI, and 15 walks.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://baseball-reference.com/players/w/wrighda03.shtml|title=David Wright Career Statistics at Baseball Reference|website=baseball-reference.com|accessdate= July 25, 2023}}</ref>

=== Number retirement ===
On December 13, 2024, the Mets announced that Wright's number 5 will officially be retired at [[Citi Field]] and will be inducted to the [[New York Mets Hall of Fame|Mets Hall of Fame]] on July 19, 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wright to have No. 5 retired, enter Mets Hall of Fame on July 19 (source) |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/david-wright-jersey-number-retired-mets-hall-of-fame |access-date=2024-12-13 |website=MLB.com |language=en}}</ref> 

==World Baseball Classic==
[[File:David Wright, 2009 World Baseball Classic.jpg|thumb|upright|Wright batting for the U.S. national team]]
Wright was selected to play third base for the [[United States national baseball team|United States]] in the [[2009 World Baseball Classic]]. In the second round, with the United States facing elimination against [[Puerto Rico]], Wright delivered a 9th inning walk-off hit against [[Fernando Cabrera (baseball)|Fernando Cabrera]] to win the game for the Americans 6-5. The win guaranteed Team USA a spot in the semifinal round against Japan.

He was again selected to play third base in the [[2013 World Baseball Classic]]. In the 2013 WBC, Wright hit a 5th-inning grand slam in the United States's game against Italy to put the team ahead 6-2. It was the second time a United States player hit a grand slam in WBC play. In the second-round opener against [[Puerto Rico]], Wright had 5 RBIs. Wright ended the tournament with the most total RBIs of any player and earned the nickname "[[Captain America]]".<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/mets/captain-america-fits-wright-classic-article-1.1286961 | location=New York | work=Daily News |title=At World Baseball Classic, New York Mets' David Wright aka 'Captain America' knocks in five runs for Team USA in 7-1 win over Puerto Rico}}</ref> Wright sat out during the US loss to the [[Dominican Republic]] in the following game, citing soreness. He was later diagnosed with sore ribs and sent back to New York for further examination, ending his participation for the rest of the 2013 tournament. The US team went on to lose to Puerto Rico 4–3, resulting in an elimination. Wright was selected as the third baseman for the All-WBC team, the only American player to earn the honor.

==Mets franchise records==
{{Main|List of New York Mets team records#Batting}}

* New York Mets career [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star Game]] appearances leader<ref>{{Cite web|title=New York Mets MLB Team History - Major League Baseball - ESPN|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/history/teams/_/team/NYM/history/all-stars|access-date=2021-01-09|website=ESPN.com}}</ref>
*New York Mets career [[At bat|At-Bats]] (AB) leader (5,998 ABs)
*New York Mets career [[Base on balls|Bases on Balls]] (BB or Walk) leader (762 Walks)
*New York Mets career [[Double (baseball)|Doubles]] leader (390 Doubles)
*New York Mets career [[Extra-base hit|Extra Base Hits]] (EB) leader (658 EBs)
*New York Mets career [[Hit (baseball)|Hits]] leader (1,777 Hits)
*New York Mets career Offensive WAR leader (Offensive War of 51.9)
*New York Mets career [[Plate appearance|Plate Appearances]] (PA) leader (6,872 PAs)
*New York Mets career [[Run batted in|Runs Batted In]] (RBI) leader (970 RBIs)
* New York Mets career [[Runs created|Runs Created]] leader (1,134 Runs Created)
* New York Mets career [[Runs scored|Runs Scored]] leader (949 Runs Scored)
* New York Mets career [[Sacrifice fly|Sacrifice Flies]] leader (65 Sacrifice Flies)
* New York Mets career [[Strikeout]]s leader (1,292 Strikeouts)
*New York Mets career [[Times on base|Times On Base]] (TOB) leader (2,584 TOBs)
*New York Mets career [[Total bases|Total Bases]] leader (2,945 Total Bases)
*New York Mets career [[Wins Above Replacement]] (WAR) Position Players leader (WAR of 49.2)<ref>{{Cite web|title=New York Mets Top 50 Career Batting Leaders|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/NYM/leaders_bat_50.shtml|access-date=2021-01-09|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref>

==Awards and honors==
The Mets will retire Wright's number 5 on July 19, 2025.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/mets/news/david-wright-jersey-number-retired-mets-hall-of-fame |first=Anthony|last=DiComo|date=December 13, 2024|title=Wright to have No. 5 retired, enter Mets Hall of Fame on July 19 (source)
 |website=MLB.com}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!MLB Award/Honor !! # of times !! Dates
|-
| Rookie of the Year - MLB.com Awards || 1 || 2004
|-
| Play of the Year - MLB.com Awards || 1 || 2005 (barehanded catch)
|-
| [[Major League Baseball Player of the Week Award|NL Player of the Week]]|| 3 || (8/28/2005, 6/18/2006, 9/6/2011)
|-
| [[Major League Baseball Player of the Month Award|NL Player of the Month]]|| 2 || (6/2006, 6/2010)
|-
| [[Home Run Derby|MLB Home Run Derby]] participant|| 2 || 2006 (runner up), 2013 (captain)
|-
| All-Star Selection || 7 || (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013)
|-
| [[Rawlings Gold Glove Award|Gold Glove Award]] Winner || 2 || (2007, 2008)
|-
| [[Silver Slugger Award]] Winner || 2 || (2007, 2008)
|-
|MLBPAA Mets Heart and Hustle Award
|3
|(2008, 2009, 2012)
|-
|Wilson Team Defensive Player of the Year
|1
|(2012)<ref>{{Cite web|title=David Wright Stats, Fantasy & News|url=https://www.mlb.com/player/david-wright-431151|access-date=2021-01-09|website=MLB.com}}</ref>
|}
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Other Award/Honor !! # of times !! Dates
|-
| Sports Humanitarian of the Year || 1 || (2008)
|-
| [[30–30 club]] || 1 || (2007)
|-
| [[Ride of Fame]]<ref>[https://archive.today/20130629115150/http://tv.ibtimes.com/mets-david-wright-talks-humility-life-field-and-crying-baseball-10053 Mets' David Wright Talks Humility, Life Off The Field And Crying In Baseball]. International Business Times. 3 April 2013.</ref> || 1 || 2013
|}

==Personal life==
Wright has maintained homes in [[Manhattan]], [[Manhattan Beach, California]] and [[Chesapeake, Virginia]] wherein he owns a [[Boxer (dog)|boxer]] dog named Homer. His clubhouse nicknames include "Visine" and "Hollywood".<ref name="SIcover">{{cite magazine|url=http://premium.si.cnn.com/pr/subs2/siexclusive/2006/pr/subs/siexclusive/07/11/mets0717/|title=Joy Ride|access-date=July 19, 2006|last=Verducci|first=Tom|date=July 11, 2006|magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]] (in print as well as online for subscribers only)|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130102081308/http://premium.si.cnn.com/pr/subs2/siexclusive/2006/pr/subs/siexclusive/07/11/mets0717/|archive-date=January 2, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

In May 2007, [[Vitamin Water]] was sold to [[The Coca-Cola Company]] for $4.1 billion. As part of his endorsement deal, Wright was given 0.5% of the company, and thus netted approximately $20 million from the deal.<ref>Hale, Mark and Kouwe, Zachery. [http://www.nypost.com/seven/05262007/news/regionalnews/wow__water_play_regionalnews_zachery_kouwe_and_mark_hale.htm "Wow, water play. Drink deal has Mets Wright $ittin (sic) pretty."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070528070442/http://www.nypost.com/seven/05262007/news/regionalnews/wow__water_play_regionalnews_zachery_kouwe_and_mark_hale.htm |date=May 28, 2007 }}. ''[[New York Post]]'', 2007-05-26. Retrieved on 2007-07-09.</ref>

After dating model Molly Beers for several years, Wright announced in January 2013 that he and Beers were engaged to be married during the holidays.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mets All-Star David Wright Engaged To Girlfriend|date=January 20, 2013|url=http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2013/01/20/reports-mets-all-star-david-wright-engaged-to-girlfriend/|publisher=CBS News New York|access-date=January 20, 2013}}</ref>  The couple were married in [[La Jolla, California]], on December 26, 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://effingmets.blogspot.com/2013/12/david-wright-to-marry-today.html|title=Effing Mets: David Wright To Marry Today|author=RobPatterson83|date=December 26, 2013|access-date=January 8, 2016}}</ref> They have two daughters and a son.<ref name="d976">{{cite web | last=DiComo | first=Anthony | title=Mets' David Wright welcomes first child | website=MLB.com | date=2016-07-26 | url=https://www.mlb.com/news/mets-david-wright-welcomes-first-child-c191691286 | access-date=2025-01-25}}</ref>

Wright's memoir, ''The Captain'', was published on October 13, 2020, by [[Penguin Random House|Dutton-Penguin Books]]. It was co-written by Wright and Anthony DiComo, who is a Mets beat writer for MLB.com.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Captain by David Wright, Anthony DiComo: 9781524746056 {{!}} PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books|url=https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/622487/the-captain-by-david-wright-and-anthony-dicomo/|access-date=2021-01-09|website=PenguinRandomhouse.com}}</ref>

===Charitable organizations===
====David Wright Foundation====
In 2005, Wright began his own charitable organization, the David Wright Foundation. Its mission is to increase awareness about [[multiple sclerosis]] and to raise money for multiple sclerosis organizations and projects. The Foundation hosted its first annual [[wikt:gala|gala]] at the [[New York Stock Exchange]] Members' Club on December 16, 2005, donating the proceeds to two multiple sclerosis centers.<ref name="DWFoundation">{{cite web |url=http://www.davidwrightfoundation.com |title=The David Wright Foundation |publisher=The David Wright Foundation |date=June 25, 2009 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090107040605/http://www.davidwrightfoundation.com// |archive-date=January 7, 2009 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

During the 2009 season, Wright and [[New York Yankees]] shortstop [[Derek Jeter]] represented their foundations in a competition sponsored by [[Delta Air Lines]]. Jeter had the higher [[batting average (baseball)|batting average]] and received $100,000 for his foundation from Delta while Wright's foundation received $50,000.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090406060654/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/04/03/jeter.wright.ap/index.html Jeter and Wright Compete for Charity] SI.com, April 3, 2009</ref>

====Big League Impact====
Wright is the New York City host for Big League Impact, an eight-city [[Fantasy Football (American)|fantasy football]] network created and led by longtime [[St. Louis Cardinals]] pitcher [[Adam Wainwright]]. In 2015, the organization raised more than $1 million in total for various charitable organizations.<ref>{{cite news|last=Iyer|first=Vinnie|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/mlb/news/adam-wainwright-cardinals-fantasy-football-advice-sleepers-atlanta-falcons-michael-vick/swu7di9k00821pzb9p89zf1hp|title=Adam Wainwright is a true ace — when it comes to fantasy football|work=The Sporting News|date=August 5, 2016|access-date=August 6, 2016}}</ref>

==Media appearances==
Delta Air Lines named an [[MD-88]] airplane ''The Wright Flight'', after Wright.<ref name=AP>{{cite news|title=Delta Names Airplane for David Wright|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/02/AR2006100201222.html|access-date=16 April 2015|newspaper=The Washington Post|agency=Associated Press|date=October 2, 2006}}</ref> The plane's name, along with Wright's signature and jersey number (5), are next to the boarding door. The plane shuttles between New York, [[Boston]] and [[Washington, D.C.|Washington]].<ref name=AP /> Wright is noted for his unaffected politeness and work ethic. He has been known to help participate with the [[Boys & Girls Clubs of America]]. He has developed a reputation for arriving very early to the park for games and being uncommonly accommodating with fans and reporters.<ref name="SIPrince">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/vault/2006/05/29/8378823/prince-of-the-city|title=Prince Of the City|access-date=July 4, 2006|last=Lidz|first=Franz|date=May 29, 2006|magazine=Sports Illustrated}}</ref>

Wright was featured on the cover of ''[[MLB 07: The Show]]'', as well as a TV commercial advertisement for the game on the [[PlayStation 3]] game console. He has also appeared in a television commercial for [[Fathead (brand)|Fathead]], promoting the company's wall graphics.

In 2006, Wright appeared on [[MTV]]'s ''[[Total Request Live]]'' with then-teammate [[Cliff Floyd]]. He also made an appearance on the ''[[Late Show with David Letterman]]'' on July 12, 2006. That same day he appeared on the cover of ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'' along with Mets teammates Carlos Beltrán, [[Paul Lo Duca]], Carlos Delgado, and José Reyes.

On January 3, 2008, Wright appeared on ''[[The Apprentice (U.S. season 7)|Celebrity Apprentice]]'' to purchase [[hot dogs]] for charity.<ref>[http://test.redlasso.com/service/svc/clip/playClip?fid=61451d79-8eef-48de-a3a5-ce49bd7563ef New York Met David Wright buys hot dogs on Celebrity Apprentice]{{dead link|date=September 2017|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref>

Wright is a celebrity spokesman for Ford in the New York/New Jersey market.

==See also==
{{Portal|Biography|Baseball}}
* [[30–30 club]]
* [[List of Major League Baseball career home run leaders]]
* [[List of Major League Baseball players who spent their entire career with one franchise]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{wikiquote}}
{{commons category|David Wright}}
{{baseballstats|mlb=431151|espn=6035|br=w/wrighda03|fangraphs=3787|brm=wright002dav|retro=W/Pwrigd002}}
:

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{{succession box | before = [[Jason Bay]]<br />[[Troy Glaus]]|title = [[MLB Player of the Month|National League Player of the Month]]| years = June 2006<br />June 2010| after = [[Chase Utley]]<br />[[Buster Posey]]}}
{{s-end}}

{{2001 MLB Draft}}
{{New York Mets first-round draft picks}}
{{NL 3B Silver Slugger Award}}
{{NL 3B Gold Glove Award}}
{{30-30 club}}
{{This Year in Baseball Rookie of the Year Award}}
{{United States roster 2009 World Baseball Classic}}
{{United States roster 2013 World Baseball Classic}}
{{2013 World Baseball Classic All WBC Team}}
{{New York Mets captains}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Wright, David}}
[[Category:1982 births]]
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