The New York Mets have surely had enough of the ups and downs that have come with current manager Terry Collins, and it may be time to look around. They should not look too far, as one of their best options is in the clubhouse, currently searching for his next career move. Last week, we explored the possibility of David Wright taking over as Mets manager as early as next season. It may sound a bit far-fetched, but there are good reasons why it could – and should – happen.
Mets should Make Wright Decision and Name David Manager in 2018
Collins came onto the scene in 2010. The best year of his roller coaster tenure as Mets skipper was clearly 2015, the magical, feel good, almost-too-good-to-be-true season that fans wanted and expected a taste of each season after. That season, under Collins, the Mets accomplished the most amazing things as a team, culminating in a World Series appearance that ended because the Kansas City Royals were simply the better team. There is no argument that it was a wonderful year in Flushing; it was hands-down impressive.
Terry’s Time is Up
Terry’s contract is up soon, and it would be a very unwise, potentially season-destroying move to welcome him back in 2018. With players already silently screaming they cannot take this cruel, injury plagued season, and fans desperate for a change of manager, it’s safe to say Terry doesn’t have much support to retain his position. Even at the best of times, he’s been a hit-or-miss-badly type of manager.
Collins’ shaky experiences in New York suggest that things already aren’t under his control. However, a very interesting and positive replacement comes to mind. It is early, and without a doubt completely unclear who will manage in 2018, but hear this.
A New, Familiar Face
One face, one name, one unforgettable player may elicit happiness among some and questions among many, but also possible positivity and motivation for this team. Enter David Wright, the face of the franchise, the Captain. Nearly every Mets fan smiles with pure joy when he plays and represents the organization in purely respectful, classy, and talented fashion.
Adored by nearly every true Mets fan, Wright has battled his unfortunate share of recent ailments, suggesting that his playing career is pretty much over. The upsetting diagnosis of spinal stenosis, along with multiple other setbacks, leaves many question marks in almost every area of his impressive, 13-year playing career with this organization. The New York Mets have more than plenty to thank the 34-year-old Captain for. Wright played some incredible baseball in a Mets uniform, with extreme class and professionalism. The 2006 and 2007 seasons were undeniably great, as those were his career-best years. In ’06, Wright posted 26 home runs and a whopping 116 RBI. Wright also had several key defensive gems at the hot corner.
Here comes the catch, and his may be what gives fans second thoughts: Wright has absolutely no managing experience. While that is true, he does still have experience controlling a clubhouse. He’s been a leader, has publicly scolded teammates, and has helped get some of his teammates to straighten up their acts. One prime example of Wright stepping up to the plate big-time in that field was when a much younger Noah Syndergaard was eating lunch in the clubhouse instead of being out with his teammates during practice. Wright scolded the younger ace, and Syndergaard’s food was immediately thrown in the trash. If that’s not sending a clear and direct motivational message to the team and Noah himself, what is?
Wright isn’t afraid to scold teammates when the situation calls for it, and that speaks volumes about his leadership qualities. The guys respect him as a player and role model. His already-impressive 13-year playing career also speaks volumes. The possibility of him remaining in the New York Mets organization brightens the still-uncertain futures. What Mets fan would not smile upon hearing that David Wright may be back?
Next season, the Mets could see Wright back again, just in a different role. All may not be lost, and this move could be a big hit or a complete miss. Either way, it would be nice to try.
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