Could New York Mets manager search lead to Brad Ausmus?

The New York Mets are reported to be close to landing their next general manager in Billy Eppler. Could his arrival also mean the Mets may be narrowing down the list for their new manager as well?

Here’s why Brad Ausmus may be one of the favorites to land the New York Mets manager job

According to a tweet from MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, if the New York Mets secure Eppler in the GM role as expected, his relationship with Brad Ausmus from their days with the Los Angeles Angels could be quickly rekindled on the opposite coast.

Eppler was the general manager for the Angels from 2015-2020, a timeline which coincided with the only year Ausmus oversaw the Angels, compiling a 72-90 mark in 2019 before his firing paved the way for Joe Maddon to take over the team.

During his short time in Anaheim, Ausmus guided the Angels through the traumatic days following the sudden death of pitcher Tyler Skaggs and all of the questions that followed surrounding the cause of his death.

As Heyman mentions in his tweet, it has been thought that the move to oust Ausmus and bring in Maddon was pushed to the front by owner Arte Moreno, who was rumored to be frustrated with the fourth consecutive losing season posted by the Angels and enamored with the thought of bringing in Maddon, who helped guide the Chicago Cubs to a World Series title.

Ausmus said shortly after being let go in Anaheim that he and Eppler “get along great,” meaning the relationship could certainly extend over to the new chapter that seems to be building with the Mets.

The 52-year-old Ausmus managed the Detroit Tigers for four seasons from 2014-2017 and has compiled a 386-422 mark in his five campaigns with the Tigers and Angels.

Luis Rojas was fired by the Mets after the 2021 season as his team finished third in the National League East with a 77-85 record. Rojas was hired on Monday by the New York Yankees as the team’s new third base coach.