Rising Apple Mets’ First-half MVP Award: David Wright

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Usually around this time of the week, our team votes on which Mets’ player should be awarded for player of the week honors. However, given that this week was the 83rd annual All-Star Game — which marks the midway point of the season — we decided it was only fitting to give out the first-half MVP award. After much deliberation and thought, we as a staff feel David Wright is most deserving of this award. After the departure of fan-favorite and close friend Jose Reyes, there was plenty of discussion as to whether the Mets would trade Wright in an attempt to create a fresh, new identity while going into the rebuilding stage. However, the New York Mets have thus far, surprised many by remaining in contention, trailing the division-leading Washington Nationals by only four and a half games. In addition, New York is only a half game out of a wild card spot. It is important to note that beginning this season Major League Baseball will have two wild card winners in each division to play in a one-game playoff elimination. While multiple players are responsible for New York’s successful first-half, Wright has played a pivotal role in helping the Mets remain a contender.

Through the first 86 games of the season, Wright is by far having the best season — from a statical perspective — in his nine seasons as a New York Met. Among all third basemen, Wright currently ranks in the top in almost every offensive category, including batting average (.351), hits (106), RBI’s (59), doubles (27), runs (56), on-base percentage (.441), and slugging percentage (.563).

From the start of the season, Wright’s presence in the lineup was noticed throughout the league. Despite a prolonged slump by first baseman Ike Davis and left fielder Lucas Duda — to a lesser extent — Wright’s hot bat has yet to cool down. In the last ten games before the All-Star break, Wright managed to compile a .308 batting average, with three home runs and 12 RBI’s. Those numbers are highlighted by going 3-for-5 against the Philadelphia Phillies on July 5th, which included the game winning single off All-Star closer, Jonathan Papelbon. Although, Wright has put up remarkable numbers during the first-half, it was not enough to help him earn a spot as a starter in this year’s All-Star Game, as Pablo Sandoval of the San Francisco Giants earned more fan votes — supposedly — than Wright.