Mets Name Buck Showalter Manager

The Mets made a lot of headlines in the National League East ahead of the December 1 MLB lockout.   After signing starting pitcher Max Scherzer along with outfielders Mark Canha and Starling Marte, the Mets had one big task left: Hiring a manager.  The Mets have finally solved that.

Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated reported that Scherzer very much favored Showalter's hire:

The Mets began the interview process for their managerial search on Dec. 6, and while this list includes a number of strong candidates, one name has been receiving a substantial amount of support throughout the industry.

And this individual is Buck Showalter, who also has some fans inside the team's clubhouse.

Mets' newly signed star pitcher Max Scherzer has made it known that he prefers Showalter to be the team’s next skipper, as multiple sources told Inside the Mets on Tuesday.

Scherzer's deal was three-years in length and he is 37 years old, meaning Scherzer wanted the security of an experienced manager.

The Phillies considered Showalter for their managerial vacancy that ultimately went to Joe Girardi.  At the time, the Phillies employed both Matt Klentak and Andy MacPhail. in baseball operations roles.  Both executives worked with Showalter with the Baltimore Orioles.

While the Mets have added star power in those three signings, the team is losing starters Noah Syndergaard and Marcus Stroman, as well as outfielder Michael Conforto.   The Mets finished 2021's season 77-85, 11.5 games out of first place and five games behind the Phillies.

The Mets appointed Luis Rojas manager in 2020 after new hire Carlos Beltran was fired before managing a single game.  Rojas managed two season, through the expiration of his contract.  The Mets offered Rojas another position, but Rojas instead will serve as third base coach for the New York Yankees.