Now that the Mets have fired Mickey Callaway, general manager Brodie Van Wagenen, who arrived last October and inherited Callaway as manager, will be charged with finding a replacement.
Here is an initial list of candidates Van Wagenen could consider:
Joe Girardi — Well-respected tactician who managed the Yankees to a World Series championship.
Buck Showalter — Managed three different teams (Yankees, Diamondbacks and Orioles) to the postseason and is well-liked by Van Wagenen.
Joe Maddon — Probably the biggest celebrity manager available, led the Cubs to a championship and the Rays to a pennant.
Luis Rojas — Mets quality control coach is well-respected in the clubhouse and managed many of these players in the minors.
Bob Geren — Former Mets bench coach whose stock has risen over the last four seasons as Dave Roberts’ top lieutenant with the Dodgers.
Joey Cora — Pirates third base coach and Alex Cora’s brother. Managed in the Mets farm system and has a strong ally in special assistant Omar Minaya.
Mike Matheny — Former Cardinals manager is a University of Michigan man, which will increase his standing with owner Fred Wilpon.
Brad Ausmus — Declined to be interviewed for the job two years ago. Spent last season with the Angels and was fired. Previously managed the Tigers.
Joe McEwing — Was a finalist for the job when Callaway got chosen. Former Mets infielder is tight with David Wright, who serves as a consultant to Van Wagenen.
Joe Espada — Astros bench coach has learned under A.J. Hinch, who is among Van Wagenen’s closest friends.
Carlos Beltran — The future Hall of Famer interviewed for the Yankees managerial opening two years ago, but his past tensions with the Wilpons could be an obstacle.
Robin Ventura — Former Mets third baseman declined to interview for the job two years ago. He is well-liked by the Wilpons.
Josh Bard — When in doubt, take a trusted Yankees lieutenant. Bard is Aaron Boone’s bench coach.
Tim Bogar — The former Mets infielder was a Red Sox coach during assistant GM Allard Baird’s tenure in Boston. Bogar is currently the Nationals’ first base coach.