Mets Set To Interview Hahn, Baird and Byrnes For GM Spot

As reported on Mets.com, the Mets’ search for their next general manager is beginning to take shape as they have received permission to speak with Rick Hahn, Allard Baird and Josh Byrnes.

According to a team official, the Mets have scheduled three interviews next week for their vacant GM position: Rick Hahn, White Sox assistant GM; Allard Baird, Boston’s assistant to the GM; and Josh Byrnes, former D-backs GM.

All will be interviewed next week with Rick Hahn already scheduled for Thursday according to another source.

Hahn has been handling more talent evaluating duties in the past three years to enhance his chances. Hahn is highly regarded for his negotiating skills, knowledge of baseball rules and his organization.

Baird, 49, is a former GM in Kansas City, perhaps best known for a series of unpopular trades that saw the Royals deal Johnny Damon, Carlos Beltran and Jermaine Dye over the span of three years last decade.

Byrnes, 40, is another Epstein disciple who served as D-backs GM from November 2005 until his dismissal in July. A graduate of Haverford College with a degree in English, Byrnes has developed a reputation as a strong proponent of advanced statistical metrics.

Other potential candidates for the position are Rangers GM Jon Daniels, Dodgers assistant GM Logan White, Rays assistant GM Gerry Hunsicker, former Rangers GM John Hart, and former A’s and Padres GM Sandy Alderson.

For more info and bios on all three candidates, check out this post by Adam Rubin on ESPN New York.