The Big Apple is rebuilding. New York Mets manager Buck Showalter has stepped down after serving the team for two seasons. Although fans expected the team with the highest payroll to at least enter the postseason, things went south rather quickly. Despite winning Manager of the Year just last year, the club has decided to part ways with their veteran skipper.
David Stearns, the new president of baseball operations, has reportedly not spoken to Showalter since his appointment. He has never made managerial hiring before, but speculation hints that he might side with a longtime Brewers colleague and one of the winningest managers in MLB history, Craig Counsell. But since nothing is confirmed, let’s take a look at the prospective and rumored candidates running for the New York Mets managerial role.
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Bob Melvin and Craig Counsell Could Fit In Perfectly In Queens
The Mets were originally supposed to work with Melvin as a manager a few years ago. Although he chose to go with the San Diego Padres back then, things are fraught between him and Padres GM A. J. Preller. So, he will likely be in the search for every possible opening. A point of contention may be the recent San Francisco Giants announcement, making Melvin’s debut in the blue and orange doubtful. But fear not, there’s another.
Perhaps the most important prospect on the list, Craig Counsell has a history of seven years with the now-president of the New York Mets. He left the Brewers this season with no intention of getting back. Counsell’s dream of getting the MLB managers a better salary structure may very well align with Mets owner Steven Cohen’s pockets.
The only thing is that it’s not very clear whether one of the greatest managers in MLB history will take some time off to focus on his family of eight or just go with an altogether different deal amongst the ones being made for him. Fortunately, there are more names to be referred to.
Carlos Beltran and Gabe Kapler Could Bring in Much-Needed Stability
Ex-Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran had a great rapport with the players and former executives of the team. He was supposed to step into the post once before in 2019, but the Houston Astros scandal forced him to step down. Beltran also serves as an assistant to Mets GM Billy Eppler, so he already has ties to the people who are critical to the teams’ decisions and goal-setting resources. The 46-year-old also has extensive knowledge of the game, other than having a great bond with members like Edwin Diaz or Francisco Lindor.
Gabe Kapler, on the other hand, was let go by the San Francisco Giants this September. It was his last season as a leader on a team that gave disappointing performances. Kapler won 107 games and an NL Manager of the Year award in 2021, the only highlight of his time in San Fran. The 48-year-old has experience to share if the Mets be willing.
Interestingly, both Kapler and Showalter were among the first two managers to leave their respective teams. The Giants broke the LA Dodgers’ streak of eight division title wins under Kapler’s leadership; think about what he can do with the promising lineup that the Mets have.
After giving around 180 games in the last two years to his team, Showalter is going out with a bang. Might fans see him in a new role soon? Either way, the baseball world has its eyes on you, Mets.
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Written by
Edited by
Arunima Bhanot