Bichette, a key offseason addition, is learning to play third base this spring. The Mets are hoping Wright’s guidance will help him adjust quickly and make an immediate impact.

Wright ended his 14-year career with 242 home runs, 1,777 hits, and 970 RBIs, all Mets franchise records. He has also gained momentum in Hall of Fame voting, jumping from 8.1 percent to 14.8 percent in his third year on the ballot.

“I was excited and surprised when Bo reached out and asked if I was coming down and if I had a few minutes for him,” Wright said, according to MLB.com. “So I’m not sure what direction that’s going to go into, whether it’s third base or about New York, or whatever the question set is, but I’m excited to meet and spend some time with him.”

Leadership beyond the field

Wright, who was Mets captain for six seasons, believes a group of veteran leaders can be just as effective as a single captain, especially for mentoring younger players.

“When you have several leaders in the locker room, it can be even better than having one,” Wright said. “It helps guide the young guys and set the tone for how we play and prepare.”

Wright, like Mets fans, was caught off guard by the departures of stars Brandon Nimmo, Edwin Diaz, and Pete Alonso. However, as David Stearns and the front office made moves to fill those voids, Wright sent the brass a strong message. He also made sure to remind the other baseball club in New York—no surprise, given that Mets manager Carlos Mendoza sent a warning to the Yankees as well.

“It’s tough for me to see these guys go,” Wright admitted about the Mets’ decision to part ways with Brandon Nimmo, Edwin Diaz, Pete Alonso, and others ahead of the 2026 MLB campaign. However, Wright warned Mets fans, the Yankees, and every other club in baseball not to underestimate Stearns.

“But when I look at it big picture – David Stearns has won, he’s a proven winner. Give him a chance and let’s see how this plan plays out,” Wright concluded.

Mets and Yankees have been going at it

The Subway Series rivalry has remained active throughout the offseason. Though no baseball was played between the Mets and Yankees, the two despised foes found plenty of ways to keep the flame alive—mainly by engaging in bidding wars for free agents and chasing the same talent in the trade market. In that regard, both sides could be argued to be at a stalemate.

The Bronx Bombers checked off the main item on their offseason to-do list by retaining Cody Bellinger. They did so before the Mets could poach him, as they once did with Juan Soto—who has since rubbed salt in the Yankees’ wounds with a post about Aaron Judge on social media.

While the Mets would have loved nothing more than to add another player with a Pinstriper background, Bellinger stayed loyal to New York. However, the Orange and Blue responded shortly after by trading for Milwaukee Brewers ace Freddy Peralta, a player the Yankees had been eyeing for some time. Stearns and the Mets jumped the gun, securing a much-needed reinforcement for the mound.

When do Mets and Yankees play each other?

The Mets and Yankees won’t meet in the 2026 MLB season until May 15–17, when a three-game series will be held at Citi Field between the two historic rivals in the Big Apple. Following the matchup in Queens, the two organizations will go their separate ways until the Subway Series returns to Yankee Stadium in September.

In the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, the Mets and Yankees will once again face off in a three-game series. The two New York clubs had also played each other on September 11, 2001, for the 20th anniversary of the tragic date. Barring a matchup in the MLB Playoffs, September 13 will mark the final time the Mets and Yankees go head-to-head during the 2026 season.

Wright, a seven-time All-Star and franchise icon, praised Soto for embracing the challenge of helping transform the Mets into a perennial contender. His words underline a potential shift in the longstanding rivalry between the Mets and the Yankees, signaling a new era of competitiveness in Queens.

As the Mets continue their season, navigating bullpen challenges and roster adjustments, Wright’s perspective offers fans a renewed sense of optimism about the team’s direction under owners like Steve Cohen and the leadership of stars such as Soto, Francisco Lindor, and Pete Alonso.

What Juan Soto’s decision means for New York baseball

David Wright acknowledged the deep history and intense rivalry between the Mets and Yankees but emphasized the opportunity Soto has to redefine that narrative.

“If I was looking at this in Juan Soto’s eyes — which I’m obviously not — what an exciting and fun and great atmosphere and climate to build up the New York Mets into what the Yankees have been for so many years,” Wright told The Post.

He pointed out how the Mets were often seen as the “little brothers” in New York sports: “I don’t think it’s any secret that, for a lot of the time, the Mets were viewed as kind of the little brothers of New York… to be able to change the course of the New York Mets, that evolution to make them a perennial winner, you’d cement your legacy in the history of New York sports.”

A new chapter for the Mets

Soto’s decision to sign a record-setting 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets — the largest in sports history — stunned the baseball world. Many expected him to stay in the Bronx after just one season with the Yankees, especially following their World Series loss to the Dodgers.

As the Mets opened the second half of their season with a mixed performance, Wright’s voice resonates beyond the scoreboard. His confidence in the team’s future underscores the evolving identity of the Mets organization.

Wright, who dedicated his entire career to the Mets, has publicly expressed his hope that Pete Alonso will follow in his footsteps and become a lasting symbol of the franchise.

“I know it’s a different feeling when you’re drafted, developed, and playing for the team that gave you your first opportunity,’’ Wright said during a Zoom call. “There’s a little — maybe a lot — more pride when you put that jersey on. I hope he remembers that and doesn’t lose sight of that. With that being said, I’ve never, ever faulted a player for maximizing his earning potential and going to try to make a great living for him and his family. I can’t fault him for that.”

The emotional bond between a player and their team transcends statistics and contracts. Wright lived it firsthand and now hopes Alonso can experience the same. However, modern baseball operates as a business, where free agents have the freedom to choose teams that align with their goals and financial interests.

Alonso at a Crossroads

Pete Alonso, one of the league’s premier hitters, finds himself at a pivotal moment in his career. On one hand, he has the chance to continue making history with the New York Mets, the team that nurtured his growth into a star. On the other, he could pursue a more lucrative contract with another franchise.

Wright’s Message to Alonso

Wright and Alonso symbolize two distinct eras in baseball. Wright played in a time when players often stayed with one team for their entire careers. Alonso, by contrast, is navigating an era where free agency plays a critical role in shaping a player’s career path.

“I remember what hit home big-time for me was when we were in Atlanta towards the end of Chipper [Jones’] tenure and seeing Chipper’s emotion and words, having spent his entire career in Atlanta,’’ Wright said. “And playing across town from Derek [Jeter], seeing how much it meant to him. I learned a lot from them from afar. I think that should be a consideration, and hopefully will be a consideration, to Pete when he’s looking for his next team or coming back to New York.”

The Uncertain Future

Alonso’s future remains uncertain, with multiple options on the table. His final decision will depend on various factors, including his personal goals and the opportunities presented to him.

Regardless of his choice, Alonso’s legacy in MLB is already secure. He has established himself as one of the best hitters of his generation and will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Mets fans.

David Wright, the former Mets star, shared his thoughts on Vientos with SNY, highlighting his work ethic, positive mindset, and ability to overcome challenges. Wright was particularly impressed by the maturity and professionalism Vientos showed from his early days in the minors.

“I remember meeting him for the first time in spring training when he was in the minor leagues,” Wright said. “They asked me to go speak to a group of infielders during early work. Mind you, it’s the middle of spring at 7 a.m. He asked if I had extra time after working, speaking with the group, to spend with him individually.”

“We hung out for the next 20 minutes just talking baseball,” added Wright. “That has always stuck with me. When I watch him play, he looks like a 10-year veteran as opposed to a rookie. Nothing fazes him, and he doesn’t allow one bad at-bat or one error to affect him.”

The impact of Vientos on the Mets

Vientos has performed exceptionally well in the MLB playoffs, contributing with both his hitting and defense. His grand slam in Game 2 was crucial for the Mets to tie the series against the Dodgers.

Mets Manager Carlos Mendoza praised Vientos for his ability to handle adversity and his commitment to the team, as reported by USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. “He has meant everything to us,” Mendoza said. “This guy has done such a good job handling adversity. He went through a lot. He went to spring training with a pretty good chance of making the ballclub, and in the last week, we signed J.D., and he got the news that he was going back to the minors.”

What makes a player a fan favorite? It comes down to heart, hustle, or rising to the big occasion. Personality is extremely important especially if you are playing for a New York team. Roger McDowell, for example, will forever live in Mets lore as just one of the funniest characters any New York sports team ever had. Mookie Wilson, on the other hand, might have the most famous at bat in baseball history!

While creating this list was tough, we tried to take into account as many eras of the Mets as possible, without leaving out some memorable players. Without further ado, here are the top 10 all-time favorite New York Mets.

10. David Cone

Whether it was his boyish looks or bright-eyed smile, fans were mesmerized or at times frustrated by the pitching ace. David Cone came to the Mets via the Royals in 1987 and wasn’t anything to really write home about. He always seemed nervous on the mound and looked like a boy amongst men on a team that had Ron Darling, Darryl Strawberry, and Gary Carter. Then he had a magnificent 1988 winning 20 games, and keeping the Mets NLCS hopes alive in Game 6 against the Dodgers. Cone also had his awkward moments, Game 2 of that series he was hit out of the park, and at times when lacking in confidence he would blow leads or give up a lot of runs. Still, he always seemed to be forgiven for any bad play and electrified the New York crowd at the height of his powers. For six years he was without question one of the best Mets on the roster, when he was traded to the Blue Jays, fans and Cone were in tears.

9. Lenny Dykstra

Nails, Lenny Dykstra, was everything you wanted in a New York player, he was good, he put his body at risk, and he could field and hit. Dykstra was all heart, blood, and guts for the Mets. Off the field he lived the New York lifestyle to its fullest, Dykstra was just loved by the fans. Many Mets fans have told stories that the day Dykstra was traded to Philadelphia, fathers had to sit sons and daughters down and tell them the news.

8. Jacob deGrom

The makings of a legend Jacob deGrom is today what Dwight Gooden was in the 1980’s. The last two seasons deGrom has been the NL strikeout leader and fans are mesmerized by his magic on the mound. I mean he has “Jacob deGrom Hair Hat” days at Citi Field, so the aces stock is rising.

7. Gary Carter

The Kid, Gary Carter, his 1980’s teammates sometimes defined Carter as a “dork” on a team full of out-of-control ballplayers, he was the spiritual, professional, team leader. At the plate or catching, Carter was clutch, an example for all fans. No true Mets fan cannot have a place in their heart for one of the greatest New York Mets ever.

6. Darryl Strawberry

Darryl Strawberry, for all his flaws, on and off the field had fans and media at his feet. Straw had one of the most elegant swings in all of baseball. The man could hit it out of the park at will and looked good doing it. Strawberry had a tough personality, at times he would drive teammates, fans, and media crazy with his “am too good for all of you” style. Still, look at the stadium crowd then and now, and you will almost certainly see many jerseys with the number 18 and the last name Strawberry on them.

5. David Wright

All the Wright stuff right here, David Wright was a franchise player, a 7-time all-star, an example, and team fan favorite. Unfortunately, Wright could never bring home a championship but left an everlasting legacy of sticking it out and being on top of your game with a team that did not have all the pieces in place. A stand-up ball player who loved the New York uniform.

4. John Franco

Greatest closer in Mets history, John Franco was and is beloved by Mets fans. He led the National League three times in saves, two of those years were down years for the Mets. A class act, a role model for the kids, Franco was there through the good and the many bad.

3. Keith Hernandez

The eternal Mets captain, Keith Hernandez, is most likely one of the most popular Mets of all time. Heart, soul, when things got tough Hernandez was there to pull the troops together. When the boys were out of control, he kept them on track. Keith Hernandez might be the most recognizable and most memorable team captain of any New York team.

2. Mike Piazza

After Gary Carter, Mike Piazza took the mantle of the Mets shining example of professionalism and grit. When it was all said and done, Piazza had his number 31 retired, he got in Roger Clemens face in the subway series, and refused to call a grown man Chipper. Piazza gave Mets fans too many memories.

1. Tom Seaver

Can there be any other number 1? The late, great Tom Seaver was universally loved by everyone in New York and sports. Always a gentleman, a pro, and a man who gave back, Seaver had time to sign autographs and do interviews and just move the Mets brand forward whatever his capacity. Seaver is truly the New York Mets all time popular and franchise player.