The Mets announced on Thursday afternoon that after two years with a 163-161 record and no playoff appearances they were firing manager Mickey Callaway.
Callaway sent a statement to Newsday on Friday regarding the firing, “While I am disappointed by the decision to move on, I am grateful to have been part of such a storied franchise. I am thankful for the hard work and support of my coaching staff, the players, and all of those working behind the scenes in roles that made our jobs and lives easier. I’m proud of what we accomplished together. Many players got better, our team improved, and the Mets are in a better spot today to be a World Series contender.”
The 2018 season was not a smooth one for the first-time manager. he oversaw a team that produced a 77-85 record and included a batting out-of-order fiasco in Cincinnati.
“I too am in a better spot because of this experience, and am excited about where my next landing spot will be in this baseball world. These two years have humbled me, educated me, matured me, and motivated me all at the same time. There are only 30 jobs of this kind in the world — so losing one certainly stings a bit. Yet I am filled with pride about some of the individual highlights of the last two years and that will stick with me.”
Mickey enters a free agent managerial market that has opening with the Angels, Padres, Royals, Pirates, Cubs, and Giants. He was also mentioned by Todd Zolecki of MLB.com as a possibility for the Phillies open pitching coach job.
