Mets Honor Wright, Reflect on Near Beltran Trade

David Wright is being honored by the New York Mets with the retirement of his No. 5 jersey and induction into the Mets Hall of Fame, underscoring his immense impact despite injuries cutting his career short. Wright's early career statistics rival those of Chipper Jones and Mike Trout, fueling debate about his Hall of Fame credentials had he remained healthy. Former teammates and managers, including Billy Wagner and Terry Collins, have said that Wright would likely have been a Hall of Famer if not for his injuries. In a recent interview, Wright praised Juan Soto's decision to join the Mets, calling it a bold move that could shift the city's baseball balance away from the Yankees. It was also revealed that the Mets nearly traded Wright for Carlos Beltran in 2004, a deal that never happened and allowed both to become franchise icons. Wright's journey highlights the impact of injuries and near-miss trades on sports legacies.