Former New York Mets captain David Wright was appointed as a special advisor to chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon and general manager Brodie Van Wagenen on Monday.
The baseman was forced to retire last September due to chronic injuries but had not been removed from the team’s roster until this week when he was given his new role. The 36-year-old already has some experience with his new job as he traveled with the Mets’ contingent to Las Vegas last month to find recruits.
Wright reportedly impressed CEO Wilpon and the GM while in Vegas and was asked to join any of the team’s departments. While accepting the new job, the former captain acknowledged he preferred his new job over coaching or broadcasting.
“Playing in this city and for this team was a dream come true,” he said. “I look forward to contributing and taking on the challenges of this role.”
Wrights will be placed on unconditional release waivers while his contracts will be restructured. The 36-year-old originally signed an eight-year $138 million contract that guaranteed him $15 million this season.
With the new changes, Wright will receive $4 million before Jan. 10 while $6 million will be deferred and be paid monthly albeit at a 2.5% monthly interest.
Performance wise, Wright is a Mets’ great. He holds the record for most hits (1,777); most doubles (390), most runs (949) and RBIs (970).
