Now that David Stearns has officially been introduced as the Mets’ next President of Baseball Operations, his first task is dealing with a managerial change after he fired Buck Showalter after two seasons at the helm.
The presumed favorite for the opening is Brewers manager Craig Counsell, who worked for Stearns in Milwaukee. However, Counsell, who’s contract with the Brewers expires at the end of this season, will have multiple interested clubs, and he may even take a year off before returning to manage.
If Counsell, who’s Brewers team is now one game away from elimination after falling to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday, decides not to become the next Mets’ manager, who else may Stearns be eyeing to take over the position?
In his first press conference, Stearns indicated he will cast a “wide net” when it comes to finding the next manager. It’s certainly possible that the eventual winner is not someone from this list, but here’s an early starting point of some of the potential candidates for the role, listed in alphabetical order.
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Danny Barnes
Former MLB pitcher Danny Barnes is only 33 years old, but he could be in the mix if the Mets decide to look internally. Barnes served as an assistant coach for the Mets this season and is well-regarded for his analytical abilities.
Carlos Beltrán
There will certainly be a collection of Mets’ fans who are clamoring for Carlos Beltrán to get another shot as the Mets’ manager, but it feels unlikely Stearns will go in that direction. Still, Beltrán is well-liked and respected among players, and returned to the organization last season.
Quintin Berry
Quintin Berry is another name with Milwaukee connections that Stearns will have familiarity with. The 38-year-old is the Brewers’ first base coach and has coached in the organization since 2018.
Reid Brignac
Former big-leaguer Reid Brignac managed the Binghamton Rumble Ponies to a fantastic season in 2023 where they advanced to the Eastern League Championship Series. He has been in the Mets’ organization since 2020 and has managed several of the Mets’ young players already.
Eric Chavez
Mets’ bench coach Eric Chavez has made his desire to manage at some point clear, and he is obviously familiar with the roster. However, he does not have any previous managerial experience and Stearns may be looking more at external candidates.
Mark DeRosa
Mark DeRosa, who serves an analyst for MLB Network, has never managed in the majors or minors, but he did lead Team USA in the 2023 WBC, where he worked with players such as Pete Alonso and Jeff McNeil and guided to the team to the championship game.
Joe Espada
Joe Espada’s name has routinely been in the mix for several MLB openings in recent years, but the Astros’ bench coach has yet to land his first MLB manager job. He was also a candidate for the Mets’ opening in 2021 and has managed Puerto Rico’s World Baseball Classic team.
Ryan Flaherty
Ryan Flaherty, who played in the majors from 2012-19, could get some serious looks from MLB teams this offseason looking to hire a young, up-and-coming candidate. The Mets attempted to interview Flaherty in 2022 for their open bench coach position, but were denied by the Padres.
Benji Gil
Benji Gil is another name that gained managerial experience from the 2023 World Baseball Classic where he helped lead Team Mexico. This MLB season, Gil worked as a coach for the Angels. He also has previously managed in the Mexican League.
Gabe Kapler
Gabe Kapler checks the box of an experienced manager, having previously managed the Phillies and Giants, including leading San Francisco to 107-win season in 2021. However, he has also been fired from both of those positions after failing to get teams into the postseason.
Don Kelly
Don Kelly is another current MLB bench coach, working under Derek Shelton with the Pirates. The Mets previously interviewed Kelly, who has also previously coached with the Astros.
Danny Lehmann
Danny Lehmann is the current Dodgers’ bench coach and is a rising star in the coaching rankings at age 38. The former minor league catcher has been with the Dodgers in various capacities since 2015.
George Lombard
George Lombard served as the Tigers’ bench coach this season and has had several manager jobs in the minor leagues and also previously served as a coach with the Dodgers when they won the World Series in 2020.
Kevin Long
Kevin Long spent three season as the Mets’ hitting coach, including the year they won the pennant in 2015. He could be a managerial candidate this offseason after helping lead the Phillies to back-to-back postseason appearances.
Don Mattingly
If the Mets want to hire another veteran manager, they could give Don Mattingly, who previously managed the Dodgers for five seasons and the Marlins for seven a serious look. Mattingly won the NL Manager of the Year award in 2020 with Miami.
Joe McEwing
Former Mets’ utility man Joe McEwing is a frequent candidate for Mets’ managerial openings and is a long-time MLB coach, currently working with the Cardinals as the team’s bench coach.
Clayton McCullough
Dodgers’ first base coach Clayton McCullough is seen as a possible managerial candidate this offseason and has previously interviewed for the Mets’ opening in 2021. While he has not managed in the majors, he does have several seasons of managerial experience in the Blue Jays’ minor league system.
Ray Montgomery
Ray Montgomery, the bench coach for the Los Angeles Angels, is another name that could be in the mix. Montgomery served previously as a scout for the Brewers, and was a scouting director for the Diamondbacks. Montgomery is also a native of Bronxville, NY.
Pat Murphy
If Stearns wants to keep with his Milwaukee connections but can’t get Counsell, Syracuse native Pat Murphy, the Brewers’ bench coach and former Padres interim manager could be a candidate.
Will Venable
Will Venable is another hot young coaching candidate that the Mets could give a look to. Venable, who is currently an associate manager with the Texas Rangers, has been coaching with the Red Sox and Rangers for several seasons, and has a Princeton education on his resume, in addition to nine years of MLB playing experience.
Walt Weiss
Walt Weiss has previous MLB managerial experience with the Colorado Rockies, and has also been Brian Sntiker’s right-hand man with the Braves, serving as the team’s bench coach. The Mets could give him a serious look if they are interested in someone with a long coaching resume.
