Reports came out Friday that the Mets will interview Nationals’ Special Assistant to the General Manager, DeJon Watson, for their vacancy in the front office.
Watson has been in the industry for 33 seasons, and began his executive career with the Dodgers, where he spent eight seasons in their front office.
Prior to working under Mike Rizzo, Watson worked closely with Tony LaRussa and Dave Stewart in Arizona with the Diamondbacks, where he oversaw scouting and player development.
Watson just finished his second season with the Nationals.
Watson, a former professional player himself within the Royals’ system , has played a large role in major international acquisitions for the and the Diamondbacks.
He was a key player in the signings of Yasmany Tomas for Arizona, and then joined an already strong International Prospect system in Washington that held the likes of Wilmer Difo, Pedro Severino, Juan Soto, and Victor Robles.
Watson’s presence was felt right away when the Nationals signed three highly touted international shortstops, going over their signing pool money.
Watson served as the vice president of player development and as an assistant general manager for Arizona, and as a special assistant to general manager Mike Rizzo for Washington.
Watson is one of a few who are known to have interviews set up for next week, including Gary LaRocque, Kim Ng, Doug Melvin, and Watson.
The Mets will come public with a group of second round interviewees next week, but will keep things “in house” until then, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.
