Is the new Face of the MLB the Wright choice?

David Wright / Keith Allison

David Wright is the obvious choice to be the new “Face of the MLB.” Whether you support the competition or not, Wright’s long career with the New York Mets is studded with records and achievements, while his charity foundation continues to contribute to numerous causes. He epitomizes the characteristics that are worthy of his new title: loyalty, skill and humanity.

The “Face of the MLB,” needs to be someone who is devoted to the team he is playing for. On that team, they can demonstrate an ability to lead. Wright is exactly that person. As captain of the Mets, he will help his team get back to the World Series, no matter how many obstacles lie in their path.

“If my goal was to win right this second, then obviously, I would’ve been a free agent,” Wright said in a 2014 NorthJersey.com article. “To me, it was more important to show loyalty to the Mets. I grew up rooting for them, they drafted me when I was 18, they’re the only team I’ve ever played for.”

While on the Mets, Wright has put many accomplishments under his belt, including seven all-star games, two Gold Gloves, and the opportunity to play alongside baseball legend Derek Jeter in the 2009 World Baseball Classic. Jeter, considered to be the current “Face of the MLB” until he retires at the end of this season, is a person that Wright watched to learn how to be a better player and a better leader.

“Derek, whether he knows it or not, and he probably doesn’t, he’s a guy that being a young athlete in New York, you can not only mold your game after but his leadership skills as well,” Wright said in a 2014 ReviewJournal.com article.

It may seem petty or disrespectful to hold a competition over who gets to be the “Face of the MLB” before Jeter has his last game or like such a prestigious title should be given out with more care, but Wright’s clear place as one of the game’s elites and his familial leadership should be sought after by all athletes. Those skills are worthy of being plastered as the "Face of the MLB."