MLB Rumors: Buck Showalter "Overwhelming Favorite" For Mets Manager Job

 

The New York Mets are down to three finalists now for their vacant managerial posting, and as if the declarations earlier this month from Max Scherzer and owner Steve Cohen weren't enough, it's now become apparent that Buck Showalter is indeed an "overwhelming favorite" for the job.

Showalter is perceived throughout baseball as an overwhelming favorite for the Mets, whose expectations are sky high. Espada and Quatraro are widely respected and will be managers someday but folks on other teams see Showalter as the logical, likely choice. Nothing decided yet. https://t.co/Bhtx471dsS

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 14, 2021 

As MLB insider Jon Heyman reports, Showalter is perceived throughout baseball as the man for the Mets, despite a nice showing in interviews by the other two finalists, Joe Espada and Matt Quatraro. Heyman says others around the league view the 65-year-old Showalter as the "logical, likely choice".

Another insider, Jim Bowden, says "it'll be a shock" if he doesn't get it. 

Max Scherzer, who seemingly immediately takes over as the strongest voice in the clubhouse after signing his $130M deal last month, has already cast his vote in favor of Showalter, as has Mets' owner Steve Cohen. 

Showalter also gets a vote of confidence from former major leaguer Mark Teixiera, who calls him "the smartest man in baseball, and that is not hyperbole... Just look at what he’s done with so many franchises, building them up from the bottom.”

Teixiera played under Showalter in Texas at the beginning of his career. 

The Mets are expected to officially name their new manager before Christmas. 

Photo Credit:  Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports