Mets manager job is an appealing one thanks in part to the kids

The glitz and glamour of the Big Apple may attract some manager candidates to the New York Mets. However, it’s the talented youngsters who should appeal to them most.

Although I have never managed a Major League Baseball team, I have to imagine one of the first things a candidate looks at is how long they potentially have to compete. A youthful team should appeal to many managerial candidates. The more talented they are, the better. If my thinking is true, the New York Mets manager job should certainly intrigue everyone out there.

So far, this has indeed been the case. Every human with a pulse seems to have a rumor about them and the position. I’m saving up some vacation days from my own job in case I get a call from Brodie Van Wagenen.

When the team transitioned from Terry Collins to Mickey Callaway, I don’t think the job was nearly as appealing as it is now. The ball club was coming off possibly the worst season of the decade. The pitching staff collapsed and there weren’t many young star position players who looked ready to lead the club. It’s a reason why the organization hired a first-time manager for the gig. There just wasn’t much to like about the job.

A lot has changed since. In their ongoing search, the kids have made the Mets manager job look a lot better.

New York isn’t an easy place to live. I can only imagine the constant toll it takes on playing professional sports in the city. Every play is under a microscope. The scrutiny is unmatched.

Because of this, winning means much more in the Big Apple. The punishment for losing may hurt more here than anywhere else. The payoff for winning is far more glorious.

Next year, the Mets should have an infield featuring three talented young players on the rise. Over at first base, reigning MLB Home Run King Pete Alonso will again attempt to carry the offense with his bat. On the left side of the infield, I expect we see Jeff McNeil play a lot of third base with Amed Rosario resuming his role at shortstop.

The outfield has its own young stars to watch. Michael Conforto, J.D. Davis, and Brandon Nimmo should share the duties. If he isn’t traded this winter, Dominic Smith is another interesting piece a manager could get somewhat excited about.

Of course, the rotation also includes Noah Syndergaard who I think many of us forget will pitch next season at 27. And while Jacob deGrom has already reached his 30s, he is the kind of pitcher every manager should yearn for.

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Yes, the scores of men applying for the Mets manager job are doing it because they are unemployed or want to take a step forward in their career. They are also doing it because this is a gig many baseball minds will find irresistible. We can thank the hard-working kids for it.