5 Mets manager replacements if Buck Showalter doesn't return in 2024

Among the options for the manager of the Mets, Carlos Beltran would be a success for the clubhouse and the fans

When Carlos Beltran was selected as manager of the Mets in 2019, excitement was felt among the fans. A former Mets player who was largely productive in his tenure with the team intended to inject some of the knowledge he gained playing under Alex Cora and A.J. Hinch with the Houston Astros.

Sadly, three months after this decision, Beltran was fired as manager due to the 2017 Astros scandal. In an unprecedented event, Beltran was the only player to be named in MLB investigations, something that was arbitrary and led to his departure. from baseball and has made his case for entering the Hall of Fame more difficult.

Yet this past offseason the Mets hired Beltran as a special assistant GM, and players like Francisco Lindor and Edwin Diaz applauded the signing. Both players, who had advocated for Beltran to join the organization, recognize his level of intelligence as a hitter, being one of the most advantaged in his time, and for his communication and managerial skills.

Beltran looks like a more than ideal-option for the Mets. A former player with high performance and intelligence who was able to learn from one of the best MLB managers, Alex Cora, would be a fundamental piece to take this team, and especially the young talent that has been rising, to another level.

Craig Counsell would be an excellent addition to the Mets with David Stearns

Those who drive baseball operations decisions choose the managers that best fit their game model and roster. In this sense, if David Stearns comes to the Mets as President of Baseball Operations, it stands to reason that he could bring Craig Counsell with him.

Counsell, current manager of the Milwaukee Brewers, would be a free agent after the end of this 2023 season. Counsell led a basement team like the Brewers to four consecutive postseasons (2018-2021) and is struggling to get there again in 2023.

Counsell is a consensus top manager in baseball. Craig Counsell is a young manager, despite his nine years of experience leading the Brewers, who have an advanced analytical background that could be combined with the new level of baseball analytics that the Mets are developing.

Counsell's contract with the Brewers was made by Doug Melvin when he was GM, but a short time later Stearns took over, making the Stearns-Counsell duo one of the longest until Stearns resigned in 2022. With Stearns as POBO and Counsell as manager, the Mets could achieve the sustainability that Steve Cohen has discussed so much of developing talent along with the acquired one and commanding them in the best way on the field of play.

The former manager of the St. Louis Cardinals would be a good selection for the Mets

Mike Shildt had led the St. Louis Cardinals to the playoffs in three straight seasons when he was surprisingly fired as the team's manager to make way for Oli Marmol. Shidlt finished with a 252-199 record, winning manager of the year in 2019.

The current San Diego Padres third base coach was the first to be left in shock after being fired after a 90-win season. John Mozeliak, GM of the Cardinals, argued that the reasons for his dismissal were due to differences in the philosophy and direction of the team.

Shildt was likely executing lineup and bullpen moves that weren't the goal Mozeliak had built his roster with. This led to Shildt leaving the team and leaving Oli Marmol in charge of the team.

The firing of Mike Shildt took MLB players and managers by surprise. Yadier Molina argued that whatever the reasons, in the clubhouse the communication was fluid, guaranteeing that Shidlt has the skills to command a contending team.

Mike Shildt could bring his Cardinals experience to the Mets in a cultural shift for a clubhouse that still has some work to do. His background gives him the respect the players would have for him, and his record would augur a better performance for the team on the pitch.

The Mets could bring in a former Houston Astros managerial candidate

Current Houston Astros bench coach Joe Espada could again be an option for the Mets. Espada was one of the finalists for the Mets' vacant managerial job in 2021 when the team selected Buck Showalter.

Espada has been a famous candidate around the league. His relationship with Billy Eppler dates back to when they both worked for Brian Cashman in 2014.

Espada's availability isn't certain because Dusty Baker's time as Astros manager could expire in a year or two, leaving space for Espada to operate as the boss. However, as long as the Houston team remains competitive with Baker at the helm, Espada would have no room in the organization.

Espada is a candidate with many interesting aspects. His experience in the front office is not as great as his level of learning in the clubhouse of a winning team like the Houston Astros.

During his stay in Houston, Espada has been able to be the bench coach of two great managers such as A.J. Hinch and Dusty Baker. Additionally, Espada was an infield instructor for the Astros where he helped and has helped different players leading Carlos Correa and Jeremy Peña to win their respective gold gloves.

Joe Espada can bring his experience and learning with a team as recognized as the Astros to the Mets. Espada may be the spark plug engine the team needs to complete its cultural change within the clubhouse capable of promoting better relationships between players and better performance on the field.