Joe Maddon is one of the highest-profile names on the market, but the New York Mets don’t appear to be a likely suitor for the quirky manager.
It hasn’t even been a week since the managers fired Mickey Callaway, but there is still plenty of speculation about who will take the reins for 2020. Former Chicago Cubs and Tampa Bay Rays manager, Joe Maddon, would be a huge splash for the New York Mets, but that marriage looks unlikely at this point.
Jon Heyman of MLB Network is reporting that Maddon will interview with the Los Angeles Angels on Monday.
According to Andy Martino of SNY, “People who know Joe Maddon have been saying it’s basically a done deal with the Angels. That’s why his name has not come up at all for Mets.”
Maddon is one of the only managers on the market with a World Series on his resume, but he’s not the only one. Former New York Yankees skipper Joe Girardi is looking to manage again and he could be a natural fit in New York.
During Game 2 of the American League Division Series, Girardi’s fellow broadcasters asked him about Pete Alonso. He had high praise for the likely Rookie of the Year, but wouldn’t comment publicly on the open manager’s gig in New York.
Girardi has a World Series ring, experience in New York, and he’s considered a strong in-game tactician. He would be a significant upgrade over Callaway.
However, general manager Brodie Van Wagenen could follow a growing trend in baseball—hiring a first-time manager. This could give Van Wagenen a manager he can work alongside and mold. Not to mention, a first-time manager wouldn’t command big money like Maddon or Girardi.