Ever since Steve Cohen bought the New York Mets in 2020, he’s prioritized honoring the team’s past and history, such as welcoming back alums with open arms after they felt spurned by previous owners Fred and Jeff Wilpon. Before Cohen, the Mets only retired two players, Tom Seaver and Mike Piazza. Other numbers were managers Casey Stengel and Gil Hodges. Jackie Robinson’s 42 was retired throughout MLB in 1997. In the Cohen era, the numbers of Jerry Koosman, Keith Hernandez, Willie Mays, Darryl Strawberry, and Dwight Gooden have all been retired. In 2025, there will be another number in the Citi Field rafters: Number 5, David Wright.
Mets to Retire David Wright’s Jersey Number
NEWS: The Mets are planning to retire David Wright’s No. 5 and induct him into their team Hall of Fame before a July 19 game at Citi Field, per sources.
Full details:https://t.co/QhygVIMxjx— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) December 13, 2024
The Mets will retire David Wright’s number 5 and induct him into the Mets Hall of Fame on July 19 at Citi Field, per @AnthonyDiComo pic.twitter.com/zopqQ70nmT
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) December 13, 2024
Wright’s Mets Career
Born in Norfolk, Virginia, Wright grew up a Mets fan thanks to the Norfolk Tides. The Tides were the Mets Triple-A affiliate at the time. The Mets selected Wright in the 2001 MLB draft out of Hickory High School in Virginia during the supplemental round. The pick was the result of Mets 2000 NLCS MVP Mike Hampton’s departure from the club in free agency. Wright quickly rose through the ranks of the minors and was called up in 2004. From then on, Wright became one of the most beloved players in team history and was the team’s standout player for the following decade.
Wright was a 7-time All-Star. 2-time Gold Glove award winner. As well as a 2-time Silver Slugger. His best season came in 2007 when he notched 30 home runs, 107 RBI, and 196 hits. He batted .325/.416/.963 with a 149 OPS+ and an 8.3 WAR. He finished that season 4th in the NL MVP voting. In 2013, Wright was named Captain of the Mets. Becoming the 4th player to be named captain of the club, joining Keith Hernandez, Gary Carter, and John Franco.
In 2015, as his career was winding down due to injuries, Wright returned to the lineup from injury in August and helped the team on its run to their first World Series appearance since 2000. His most memorable moment came in Game 3 of the World Series, the first World Series game played at Citi Field, and hit a two-run home run in the first inning.
10/30/2015 David Wright hits a home run in his first World Series at-bat at Citi Field. pic.twitter.com/L1S7RD91Fo
— This Day in Mets History (@NYMhistory) October 30, 2022
Wright’s Legacy
Wright retired after the 2018 season, and ever since then, it seemed it was only a matter of when, not if, the Mets would retire his number. He is one of the few players in team history to start and finish his career as a Met. On July 19, 2025, against the Cincinnati Reds, Wright’s number 5 will be at Citi Field forever—a dream come true for a literal lifelong Met.
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