Bring on Round 3.
The Mets’ managerial search is set for at least one additional round of interviews this week as finalists for the position receive an audience with team owner Fred Wilpon. Already, the candidates still in contention to replace Mickey Callaway have received two interviews.
This extended format is a contrast to two years ago, when Callaway was hired after only a single round of interviews. At the time, the Mets feared losing Callaway to the Phillies, after another candidate for the job, Alex Cora, was already in position to land with the Red Sox.
But the Mets have less competition for candidates this time around, as they choose from a diverse list that includes individuals with limited coaching experience.
The first round involved more of a collective orchestrated by general manager Brodie Van Wagenen, but in which key lieutenants such as Allard Baird, Adam Guttridge and Omar Minaya were involved. The second round included at least six candidates talking to Jeff Wilpon and Van Wagenen, who are the most involved in running the team’s day-to-day baseball operations.
That duo is expected to put multiple contenders in front of the organization patriarch. Fred Wilpon has ceded much of the daily grind to his son. But Fred remains heavily involved and has the ultimate vote on the next manager.
It is not publicly known whether the list to succeed Mickey Callaway has been pared further or if there were more than six candidates who received two interviews. But the six known contenders were Carlos Beltran, Nationals first base coach Tim Bogar, Padres bench coach Pat Murphy, ESPN’s Eduardo Perez, Mets quality control coach Luis Rojas and Twins bench coach Derek Shelton.
From that group, The Post has confirmed Shelton will receive another interview. But Bogar, Perez and Beltran are also expected to return for a third interview.
Rojas has apparently fallen behind. The Mets like him and see him as having a strong future, but perhaps not yet as a major league manager. Murphy’s status in the search is unclear.
Another candidate who received a second interview, Joe Girardi, was formally introduced Monday as the Phillies’ new manager. Girardi donned uniform No. 25 — his first number with the Yankees.
“I interviewed a number of times,” Girardi told reporters in Philadelphia. “I’m a faithful man. And this where I really believe God meant for me to be.”
Girardi, who managed the Yankees for 10 seasons and won a World Series, received a three-year contract with a club option for 2023.
“I’m well aware of the importance of winning in [Philadelphia],” Girardi said. “I’m selfish. I want to win. That’s why I came here, because I think there’s a great opportunity to win here.”