Curtis Granderson
(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Curtis Granderson may not be a New York Met now but with the signing of Mickey Callaway, it might be time to bring the Grandy Man home.

From the moment the New York Mets traded Curtis Granderson, there has been speculation about whether or not a reunion in 2018 would make sense. Now that picture just became much more clear.

With the Mets officially signing Mickey Callaway to a three-year deal as manager and Granderson not making the Los Angeles Dodgers’ World Series roster, it makes more sense than ever to bring Grandy back to his beloved Queens.

Callaway was introduced on Monday as the 21st manager of the organization and one of the aspects of managing he harped on most was player relationships.

Mickey made sure to put an emphasis on his plan to make sure that players work hard while also receiving great treatment from the coaching staff.

However, winning over a locker room takes more than just rattling off promises that might never come to fruition. When it comes to the Mets, having a veteran for the young players to follow makes all the difference.

Towards the end of Terry Collins’ tenure as manager, there were rumblings of young players expressing frustration with the manager. Of course, by that time, veteran clubhouse leaders such as Granderson, Jay Bruce and Addison Reed had been shipped off to contenders.

Callaway understands the need for veteran support and apparently already has some from the likes of fan favorite David Wright.

Wright is the consummate professional, offering some of the best leadership and integrity in the MLB.

Unfortunately, even though Wright is also well-respected in the Mets clubhouse and his support of Cal ay is a positive, there’s no guarantee Wright will be around this team during the season.

His lengthy injury history and chronic shutdowns may not make it possible for his presence to be in the dugout daily. This leaves Callaway with few other options who are respected enough that their endorsement will matter.

Yoenis Cespedes is one of the team’s best players, but he has shown no propensity towards a leadership role in his Mets career. Asdrubal Cabrera is another veteran likely to be back in 2018, yet he reportedly requested a trade last season.

Enter Granderson, who will be a free agent this winter. He is familiar with the Mets clubhouse, a leader of men and a more than capable fourth outfielder.

After being left off the 2017 World Series roster for the Dodgers, he will definitely be looking for a destination next year that will allow him to make another run at a title while giving him playing time.

The Mets plan to contend next season, which will again offer Granderson a chance at both playing time and a championship ring.

He can play all three outfield positions adequately, possesses 25-home run pop and brings important intangibles, on and off the field.

This winter, the Mets may find it beneficial to bring Granderson back in a reserve role in order to help the team and Callaway in the clubhouse. Meanwhile, the Mets situation will offer Grandy adequate playing time, a chance to win and a leadership role in the city he fell in love with.

All in all, it’s a win-win for both parties.

I am a Senior currently attending the Rutgers Business School in New Brunswick. I am a lifelong New York Mets fan, and writing about the team is my passion.