BREAKING: Buck Showalter Hired as Mets Manager
As I recapped a few weeks ago, the Mets were on fire during the offseason before the MLB lockout started. Despite not being able to do anything about player personnel, the Mets were able to conduct their search for their new manager. Their search came to a conclusion today when Uncle Steve himself made the announcement on Twitter.
I’m pleased to announce Buck Showalter as the new manager of the New York Mets
— Steven Cohen (@StevenACohen2) December 18, 2021
It seems that Showalter was the Mets guy from the start of the interview process. From start to finish, the Mets interviewed 6 candidates with the finalists being Showalter, Rays bench coach Matt Quatraro, and Astros bench coach Joe Espada. Ultimately, Showater’s extensive resume and interviews impressed the Mets and landed him the job. After striking out with their last two hires (Mickey Callaway and Luis Rojas), the Mets needed someone with managerial experience and Showalter has plenty.
Media Reaction
Steve sinks the putt. Buck, to me, has been the best man for the job from the beginning of this process. He checks all the boxes. Right man. Right team. Right time. Perfect fit. Mets, despite the lockout are having a fabulous off season. https://t.co/8gg6N2YRzG
— Howie Rose (@HowieRose) December 18, 2021
Analysts across the Twitterverse loved this move by the Mets. The Mets are in win now mode with the additions of Starling Marte and Max Scherzer and Showlater is the guy to lead the squad back to the postseason. Showalter has experience managing New York as he was at the helm for the Yankees from 1992-1995. In addition to having the 20th most wins in MLB history, Showalter also brings 3 manager of the year awards.
Showalter has proven he can take teams that are underperforming and turn them into postseason contenders very quickly. He led the Diamondbacks to the playoffs in their second season ever, turned the Orioles from a 69 win team into a 93 win team in one offseason, and brought Yankees out of the bottom of the AL-East in the early ’90s. It is because of this track record that his hiring is getting the reaction from the media it has.
Potential Shortcomings
One of the most common drawbacks to Showalter that fans point out is his age. There is a fear that he is too old school of a manager and will not balance the eye test with analytics. After Luis Rojas leaning too heavily on the analytics, it would be refreshing to see a manager rely on his gut. However, former Mets manager Terry Collins reassured Mets fans. Collins spoke very highly of Showalter after his first interview with the club. According to Collins, Showalter uses everything available to him to make his decisions. Not only will Showalter use analytics, but also will trust his experience in making the right decisions.
What is left for the Mets?
The Mets have obviously been very busy this offseason. First it was the GM search, and then the loaded free agency class, and now Showalter. However, the Mets are not done quite yet. Once the lockout is over, the Mets will be one of many teams bidding for Kris Bryant’s services. Adding Bryant would easily put the Mets into consideration for best team in baseball and a favorite to win the World Series. However, they also need to focus on adding rotation depth with the uncertainty of Jacob DeGrom’s health and inconsistencies in the back end of the rotation. In addition, they need to replenish their bullpen and fill the hole left by Aaron Loup. Despite their success this offseason, the Mets still have some holes they need to fill.
Final Thoughts
The Mets have easily been the winners of the offseason so far. However, we all know games are won on the field and not over the winter. The Mets are certainly a better team on December 18 than they were at the end of the season, but their offseason success still needs to translate to the field. They have more speed with Marte, added depth with Eduardo Escobar and Mark Cahna, and a dynamic duo at the top of their rotation. Steve Cohen is showing that he is serious about brining winning baseball back to Queens. This is the type of offseason Mets fans have been hoping for since Cohen became the owner. Cohen is trying to bring a World Series to Queens, and Buck Showalter is now the guy to make it happen.
-Pete Chatterton (@Pchat12)
Featured image courtesy of SNY
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