3 manager options for the New York Mets
At long last, the New York Mets have their general manager. They can now focus on other aspects of the offseason, such as rebuilding a roster that has more holes than they may care to think about. It is not going to be easy considering that they are already behind the 8-ball since several top players have already signed and negotiations are happening faster than ever.
The same can be said about their managerial hunt. The two other teams that entered the offseason with openings have filled their positions. While this does not mean they would have been able to hire either of those managers – Bob Melvin was not interested in heading to New York – that lack of a GM certainly did not help.
Three options for the New York Mets managerial opening
But now the Mets can focus their attention on their bench. New GM Billy Eppler can find the right person to guide his vision, and maybe bring the Mets to the postseason. Fortunately, there are several candidates that are still available that could help in that quest.
The New York Mets can now focus their attention on hiring a manager now that they hired a GM. Let’s take a look at three possible candidates.
Brad Ausmus
Brad Ausmus has worked with Billy Eppler before, even though he had just one year on the Angels’ bench before being let go.
That decision, however, was not made by Eppler. Angels’ owner Arte Moreno has a fascination with landing marques names, even if they would not necessarily be the right fit. That continued with the managerial position, as Moreno forced Joe Maddon upon the organization.
Ausmus has not exactly fared well on the bench. He has a 386-422 record as a manager, and has yet to win a game in the postseason. However, he did lead the Tigers to the playoffs in 2014, and has twice had a winning record. At this point, a winning record would almost be worthy of a parade for the Mets.
Such a hiring would also give Ausmus an actual second chance to prove himself. One season is not nearly enough time, especially on a deeply flawed team. With Eppler in his corner, Ausmus would presumably get more than one season to show that he can be a major league manager.
Billy Eppler never wanted to fire Brad Ausmus when he was the Angels’ manager. He may get a chance for a do-over with the New York Mets.
Buck Showalter
If Billy Eppler had his way, Buck Showalter would already be on a major league bench.
When he was forced to fire Brad Ausmus, Eppler had his preferred replacement. Showalter had impressed during the interview process, a veteran presence whose ability to help guide a team to the postseason is notable. That would certainly be a bonus for a Mets team looking to return to the playoffs.
Showalter does have his positives. He spent four years as the Yankees manager and is familiar with the New York media. He is a veteran presence with a history of winning wherever he has been, something that the Mets have not had for years. In some ways, he seems to be the perfect candidate.
The issue is that Showalter is far more of an old school manager than the Mets’ front office may desire. Eppler and Sandy Alderson prefer more of an analytical approach to constructing a roster and making moves, whereas Showalter will go with his gut and what he sees on the diamond. As perfect as he may be for the role, that philosophical difference could be a deal breaker.
Billy Eppler wanted Buck Showalter as his manager in Los Angeles. He may get the chance to bring him on board the New York Mets instead.
Carlos Beltran
Technically, Carlos Beltran was already the manager of the New York Mets. He just never managed a game.
Beltran was Brodie Van Wagenen’s choice to manage the team, being hired after the 2019 season. However, he was included in the AstroGate scandal as he was considered to be one of the leaders of the sign stealing scheme. While Beltran evaded punishment by the league since he was a player at the time, he never received a chance to actually manage.
It may be time to bring him back. AJ Hinch, who was suspended for the 2020 season and fired by the Astros due to his part in AstroGate, is back, managing the Tigers. The remaining vitriol from that scandal is directed more at the franchise and a few specific players than everyone that was involved.
While the other candidates mentioned have managerial experience, Beltran does not. Throwing him into the fire on a team with not just playoff aspirations, but the expectation that they will contend for a title, may not be the best idea. But Beltran was well respected as a player and may command the bench and dugout in a way that the Mets need.
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Carlos Beltran technically was the New York Mets manager before. Maybe this time, he can get a chance to actually manage a game.