The case for David Wright in the Hall of Fame

David Wright appears to receive enough votes to remain in the National Baseball Hall of Fame for another year, allowing voters to consider his candidacy for another year. The former Mets third baseman has received more votes in each of the last three years, but he’s still far from the 75 percent threshold needed to be inducted.

With another year on the ballot, his case could strengthen, but the problem with looking at Wright’s HOF credentials is that his career was cut short at its peak by injuries related to spinal stenosis.

He underwent shoulder surgery after the 2017 season, a surgery that was completely wiped out by injuries. He left the game after the 2018 season, unable to even throw a baseball with any regularity like before. “What if?” became the theme of his legacy.

Whether or not he makes it to Cooperstown, Wright is already a Hall of Famer as far as the Mets are concerned. The captain was inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame last season in a ceremony that also served to retire No. 5, the number worn on his jersey throughout his career with the Mets. It was fitting for a franchise hero, but does he deserve more?

It depends on how you look at it.

A first-round pick out of high school, the Virginia native instantly became the face of the Mets franchise and one of the most prolific hitters the team has ever developed. Wright, who retired at age 35, still leads the club in player position WAR (49.1), offensive WAR (51.9), strikeouts, plate appearances, runs scored, hits, total bases, single doubles, RBI, walks and runs created. A seven-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove Award winner, Wright was more than just a force on the field; he was a mainstay for the Mets during some of the franchise’s most turbulent times.

They’re the Mets, so you can always expect some turbulence, but his leadership has extended far beyond Flushing. Nicknamed “Captain America” ​​as captain of Team USA during the 2013 World Baseball Classic.

Wright was an exemplary player in every way, authoritative when needed, always responsible, kind and courteous to fans, and willing to give more than 100% every night his name was written on the lineup card. His discipline came from his father, Rhon, a former police officer who introduced him to the Mets when the club had a minor league team near his home in Norfolk, Virginia. His compassion came from his mother, Elissa, and his competitiveness came from having three older brothers.

The character clause that BBWAA voters are asked to consider is not even something that needs to be considered. Wright’s character is so high that it is difficult for other players to measure up.

But very often, Hall of Fame voting is done by numbers. The average WAR for third basemen is around 80.5. Wright couldn’t make it for 14 seasons, mostly due to injuries. He falls below the JAWS standard in this position. He never won an MVP award, although he finished in the top 5 once and in the top 10 four times.

However, his WAR per 162 games is 5.0, which is higher than two Hall of Fame third basemen, Paul Molitor (4.6) and Brooks Robinson (4.4), the latter being the namesake of his son Brooks. When he was at his best, Wright was one of the best in baseball.

Does that make him a Hall of Famer? Maybe. It’s not a strong argument, but there are arguments to be made nonetheless. It’s subjective. Over time, some voters may decide to place a greater value on what he was when he was able to play, not what he could have been when he wasn’t able to.