Mets Hire Third Former GM In Three Weeks, DePodesta Joins Alderson, Ricciardi

The New York Mets today announced that Paul DePodesta has been named Vice President, Player Development & Amateur Scouting. DePodesta, a 15-year Major League Baseball veteran, was most recently an Executive Vice President for the San Diego Padres. He will report to Mets General Manager Sandy Alderson.

From the official press release:

 DePodesta had been serving as a special assistant for San Diego Padres, a similar role recently filled by the hiring of J.P. Ricciard for the Mets last week.

“Paul has one of the top analytical minds in the game and also has a strong background in more traditional aspects of player development and amateur scouting,” said Alderson. “He will help establish direction, standards and continuity in all areas of our player development domestically and internationally. Paul – working together with J.P. Ricciardi and John Ricco – also will advise me generally on other matters related to baseball operations.”

Alderson and DePodesta worked together in San Diego for two-and-a-half years. DePodesta joined the Padres in July 2006 as a Special Assistant for Baseball Operations before being promoted to Executive Vice President in November 2008.

“I am thrilled to reunite with Sandy during this exciting time for the Mets,” said the 37-year-old DePodesta. “I know first-hand the type of vision and leadership he brings to a franchise. This is a tremendous opportunity to help develop a winning culture for the Mets and our fans.”

At age 31, DePodesta became the third-youngest General Manager in major-league history when the Los Angeles Dodgers appointed him Executive Vice President and General Manager in February 2004. That season Los Angeles won the National League West Division title, marking the franchise’s first playoff appearance since 1996.

DePodesta is known for his mathematics-based analytical skills and is a Harvard graduate..

Welcome to the Mets, Paul.