The Mets are expected to start looking for a president of baseball operations soon to lead a front office currently headed by team president Sandy Alderson.
Who will they turn to after a tumultuous year on and off the pitch? An overview of some of the possibilities:
Any list has to start with free agent Epstein, who left the Cubs after last season to take a step back from the daily grind. Epstein has spent this season working for MLB, but has offered no clue about his interest in returning to front office life. Epstein, who turns 48 in December, has presided over three World Series winners, two with the Red Sox and one with the Cubs, and may want an appearance for the Mets.
Billy Beane
The 59-year-old former Mets outfielder could come full circle and return to the organization that selected him in the first round of the 1980 draft. But Beane is also strongly anchored in Oakland, with a stake in the athletics, and has delegated much of its authority in recent years. Would he want to take on the responsibility and stress of running a front office in New York? Beane has had a close relationship with Mets president Sandy Alderson since their time in Oakland in the 1990s. Alderson worked as a track and field consultant in 2019 and 20, after leaving the Mets.
David Stearns
The Brewers ‘president of baseball operations was on the Mets’ wishlist last winter, but Alderson was never allowed to speak to him. Stearns, a 36-year-old New York native, is under contract with Milwaukee until next season only, possibly increasing his influence this time around with the Brewers if the Mets attempt to pursue him. Under Stearns, the Brewers have become permanent contenders at the center of the National League.
Josh Byrne
The Dodgers senior vice president of baseball operations was a finalist to lead the Mets front office after the 2010 season when Alderson got the job. He was on Alderson’s radar last offseason, but didn’t want to be considered for the job due to a family affair. Byrnes, 51, who was previously general manager of the Diamondbacks and Padres, helped make the Dodgers the premier franchise in MLB.
Jeff Luhnow
The former Astros president of baseball operations, who will turn 55 in December, has been suspended for the 2020 season after being fired from his post in the fallout of the team’s illegal sign-stealing program. AJ Hinch and Alex Cora, two managers fired after the extent of the transgressions were revealed, have since returned to baseball. Could the Mets give Luhnow a chance to redeem himself?
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