This is a very intriguing question. Could David Wright manage the Mets in 2018? First, let’s not completely jump ship on Terry Collins just yet. The fall of the Mets in 2017 isn’t all his fault. All his decisions seem to, unluckily, backfire.
Secondly, let’s examine the idea of Wright as a manager in the first place. Does he exhibit the qualities of a good manager?
David Wright could manage Mets in 2018
Can it work even though he has no previous coaching experience? Well, it certainly has worked for the Golden State Warriors (albeit in a different sport) with their last two coaches. Mark Jackson laid the foundation and Steve Kerr took them all the way, twice.
Can it work in baseball, though? Possibly. The four keys to being a good manager are knowledge of the game, leadership, being able to put a good strategy in place, and being able to evaluate the talent on your team.
Well, we know he knows the game. You can’t last in the majors as long as he has without knowing the game. Also, by all accounts, he’s a good leader. While he’s been hurt, he’s worked with teammates and kept the clubhouse afloat.
Back in 2015, as Kevin Kernan of the New York Post pointed out, Wright showed his leadership abilities.
“Syndergaard, who freely admitted on Monday he has a lot to learn, was told by Wright he should not be eating at that time — a clubhouse no-no during games — and instead he should be on the bench”
Since being diagnosed with spinal stenosis last season, David Wright has been with the team sporadically. However, this season, he’s been on the bench. Over that time, he’s had the time to evaluate this team. Most coaches will tell you a lot of it is on-the-job training. They learn as they go. He’s actually already been a quasi-bench coach.
When it comes to strategy, all it takes is a mind for the game and understanding each situation that comes up, and adapting to them. With Wright’s on-field experience, he can work on that part of the craft as he goes.
Collins is in the final year of his contact with the Mets. So, it won’t be a firing as much as just not renewing his contract. It could even be that the team realizes that Wright’s playing days are over, and they’re grooming him to be the next manager anyway. If that’s the case, then why not in 2018?
Some may disagree with this, but Collins isn’t a bad manager. He’s just reached the point with this team where they’ve maxed out what they can get from him. It’s just time for a new voice. Why not Wright, who is a home-grown name and face? He’s come a long way from the supplemental draft to the big leagues. Now, it’s time for him to take the next step, if he wants to. Is he capable? Yes.
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