Pete Alonso says David Wright's No. 5 should be next number retired by Mets
Former New York Mets player David Wright during a spring training workout, Tuesday Feb. 20, 2024 in Port St. Lucie FL. Credit: Newsday/Alejandra Villa Loarca
Now that the Mets have retired Dwight Gooden’s No. 16 and Darryl Strawberry’s No. 18, who’s next?
The top answer seems to be David Wright and his No. 5. Others are calling for the late Gary Carter’s No. 8. Other candidates include Mookie Wilson (1), John Franco (who wore 31 and 45 with the Mets; 31 is retired for Mike Piazza) and Edgardo Alfonzo (13).
Pete Alonso, whose No. 20 would be in line for a future retirement ceremony if he spends his entire career with the Mets (a big if for the pending free agent), on Sunday said he thinks the Mets already should have retired Wright’s number.
“Honestly, what should have happened for David is the same thing the [Red Sox] did for Big Papi [David Ortiz],” Alonso told Newsday. “As soon as he retired, the number should have [gone] up. Like, ‘Congratulations David on a great career, happy retirement, but from this moment on, no one will be allowed to wear No. 5.’ ”
Ortiz’s last season was 2016 and the Red Sox retired his number in 2017. Wright made his last appearance as a Met in 2018.
Alonso is among a small group of current Mets who could be so honored one day (Brandon Nimmo, Francisco Lindor and Edwin Diaz come to mind as possibilities).
But for that to happen, Alonso probably would have to sign a new contract to stay in Flushing.
“It’s such a high honor,” Alonso said. “It’s kind of mind-boggling. For me, I’m not really too focused on that. I’m focused on the day-to-day stuff. But it’s really, truly special for anyone who has that honor.”
Since 2021, the Mets also have retired Jerry Koosman’s 36, Keith Hernandez’s 17 and Willie Mays’ 24 to bring the total number to 10, including Jackie Robinson’s 42, which is retired throughout MLB.
A Mets spokesman said there is no timetable for picking the next number.
Anthony Rieber covers baseball, as well as the NFL, NBA and NHL. He has worked at Newsday since Aug. 31, 1998, and has been in his current position since July 5, 2004.
