Mets hire former GM Omar Minaya as Special Assistant to Alderson

Omar Minaya is back with the Mets, but he’s not bringing that payroll flexibility with him.

The Mets announced a new hire for the front office on Friday morning. Former Mets general manager Omar Minaya is back with the club, this time as a Special Assistant to current GM Sandy Alderson.

Minaya was in charge of the Mets’ roster decision for six years from September 30, 2004 to October 4, 2010.

"“Omar has a long history with the Mets,” said Alderson. “He has served the club well in many different areas. Omar will be a resource on scouting and player development, will consult on player acquisitions and will serve as a community ambassador. We are very happy to have him back in the organization.”"

Under Minaya, the Mets assembled some of my favorite teams in recent memory including the 2006 National League East champion club. Those lineups were loaded with talent including greats like Carlos Beltran, Carlos Delgado, Paul LoDuca, and others.

"“I’m excited to return to an organization that I love,” said Minaya. “I’m thrilled I can return to scouting and developing young talent. I look forward to working for Sandy and his staff.”"

Minaya joins a staff that’s struggled so far this offseason to really make any sort of impact in the free agent and trade markets. After signing one reliever to bolster the bullpen, the team has remained quiet – Alderson would say “patient” – waiting to see what their options are for other positions that need to be filled.

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After a report came out that showed how out of touch franchise owner Fred Wilpon is about signing players to big deals, there’s a lot of doubt that the team will make any big moves going into 2018. Minaya may love the Amazin’s and his time here, but this team is very different from the one he ran all those years ago.