David Wright’s status with Mets for 2018 still unclear

David Wright’s playing career and status with the New York Mets for the 2018 season is still up in the air coming off shoulder surgery.

New York Mets captain and franchise player David Wright isn’t done yet, despite many likely forgetting the 35-year-old veteran is still in the MLB.

At least, he’s trying to be, but his last healthy season was six years ago.

However, when the former All-Star third baseman was asked if he thought he could make a comeback in 2018, he couldn’t answer the question. Wright truly doesn’t know if his body will allow him to simply play, not even whether or not he can be the 6.0 WAR player he was in 2013. His heart and mind are in the right place, but his health is in serious question for 2018.

Initial reports have been unclear on Wright’s progress, but he still showing patience and positive thinking about a potential return in ’18. He had this to say about the rehab process in this AP story shared by ESPN:

"“These things need time, and they need rehab. You don’t know until you try it out. I hate to simplify it, but if my body cooperates, then I can’t wait to get back out there,” he said. “And if it doesn’t, we’ll try to figure something else out.”"

Wright missed all of the 2017 season and only managed 75 games between ’15 and ’16, as the veteran struggled with a slew of injuries. Wright missed most of 2015 dealing with spinal stenosis and spent 2016 dealing with neck and should injuries, which both required surgery.

The Mets new manager Mickey Callaway knows Wright’s leadership is important and hopes that his veteran third baseman can find ways to impact his roster – despite the team signing veteran infielder Todd Frazier this off-season.

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With Wright still taking baby-steps in his rehab, the team needed someone to fill his spot on the infield, a spot Wright looks unlikely to claim. But Wright isn’t holding it against the Mets, making comments supporting the move, acknowledging that the team is looking to compete this season.

"“They’ve got to do what’s best for them,” Wright said. “I understand that — when you don’t play for as long as I haven’t, and we’ve had a bit of a void there. This team is in a position to compete. They need to do what’s best for them.“I don’t blame them one bit. This organization has always treated me with the utmost respect. This is a family environment."

Wright will look to try and help his club win in 2018 but remains to be seen whether that will be from on the field or in the clubhouse.