By Tim Ryder
Updated, 9:55 PM ET: Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports that Nationals first base coach Tim Bogar will also receive a second interview with the Mets.
Original Post: According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the New York Mets plan on bringing Joe Girardi and Eduardo Perez in for second interviews, shedding a bit more light on the organization’s plans to fill their managerial vacancy.
Mike Puma of the New York Post reported on Sunday that the Mets have asked permission from Carlos Beltran‘s current employers, the New York Yankees, for a second interview, as well.
Andy Martino of SNY noted Beltran was expected to move into the next round of interviews on Saturday.
Girardi, 54, won 2006 National League Manager of the Year honors with the Marlins, ending his tenure in Miami after one season. He then took the reins in The Bronx in 2008, leading the Yankees to the 2009 World Series and compiling a 910-710 record over 10 seasons in New York (988-794 record in total).
Over 15 seasons as a player, the Peoria, Illinois native hit .267/.315/.350 (72 OPS+) and won three World Series with the Yankees and made the 2000 NL All-Star team with his hometown Cubs.
Girardi has also interviewed with the Cubs and Phillies regarding their managerial openings.
Perez, 50, enjoyed a 13-year MLB career (1993 to 2006), playing for the Angels, Reds, Cardinals, Devil Rays, Indians, and Mariners. He owned .247/.326/.431 slash line and 97 OPS+. He is the son of Baseball Hall of Famer, Tony Perez.
Perez shifted into a broadcasting career after his playing career ended, joining ESPN in 2006. After managing Leones de Ponce in the Puerto Rican Baseball League from 2008 to 2009, Perez began a stint in Cleveland’s front office as a special assistant.
In June 2011, he was added to Ozzie Guillen‘s staff in Miami as the team’s hitting coach, remaining on board through the 2012 season, and was the Astros’ bench coach in 2013, before heading back to ESPN in 2014.
Perez managed in Puerto Rico’s Winter League in 2014-2015, leading the Santurce Crabbers to the league championship and a spot in the Carribean World Series.
Rosenthal referred to other candidates receiving consideration, but, at this point in time, only Girardi, Perez, and Beltran have been confirmed as moving to the next round of interviews.
The Mets have interviewed Mike Bell, Derek Shelton, Skip Schumaker, Tim Bogar, and Luis Rojas for the job, as well.
We’ll keep you posted as more information becomes available.
