The New York Mets were easily one of MLB’s biggest disappointments in 2021.
The addition of Francisco Lindor did not even lead to a playoff berth.
What it did lead to was the firing of manager Luis Rojas, who has since found a coaching job with the New York Yankees.
The Mets just handed Max Scherzer a record deal and may continue to hand out fortunes once free agency resumes.
Yet one order of business atop the to-do list is hiring a new manager.
MLB insider Jon Heyman has identified a favorite for the job.
Mets are assembling their list over the next several days but it’s clear Buck Showalter is indeed one name high on the list. They will conduct a full search, however.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 4, 2021
Buck Showalter has over 1,500 wins as an MLB manager and last led the Baltimore Orioles from 2010-2018.
The three-time Manager of the Year may now get a shot to win his first World Series by managing the Mets.
A Desirable Job
The Mets have had plenty of dysfunction within the organization in the last year alone.
But owner Steve Cohen has overhauled the front office, putting Billy Eppler in place as the GM.
The owner’s willingness to spend whatever it takes to win has to be appealing to someone like Showalter.
That doesn’t mean the job won’t come with high expectations.
However, Showalter is 65 years old and may just want the best opportunity possible, even if it could end up being a short stint in charge.
The former Orioles manager has also managed the Yankees, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Texas Rangers.
He has never won a World Series, but does have a .506 winning percentage during his long career.
That speaks volumes to the consistency of his teams.
His record was also hurt by the tanking Orioles during the end of his tenure in Baltimore.
Heyman went on to share a long list of potential options for the Mets job.
Showalter is most obvious choice considering expectations/experience. Other good names: Pat Murphy, Brad Ausmus, Walt Weiss, John Gibbons, Joe Espada, Eduardo Perez, Joey Cora, Ron Washington, Bob Geren, Rob Thomson, Larry Bowa, Raul Ibanez, Eric Chavez, James Rowson, Mike Shildt https://t.co/4tX1l8bw9P
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 4, 2021
Cohen is going to have a long list to choose from, but Showalter is clearly an early favorite.
Going with the consistent manager may be a better move compared to trying to get too creative after the way the 2021 season unfolded.
Don’t think Showalter will buy into analytics and shifts after listening to Keith the last two seasons. He’s old school!