Two top candidates have been eliminated from the New York Mets’ general manager search as the Oakland Athletics’ Billy Beane withdrew his name for consideration, The Athletic reported Monday, and the Milwaukee Brewers denied permission for David Stearns to interview, according to the New York Post.
Beane is not only Oakland’s longtime executive vice president of baseball operations but also a minority owner of the A’s, which would complicate any move to a different team.
Stearns, whose roster led the Brewers to a National League Central title this season, was denied permission to interview with the Mets for a second consecutive year.
“Consistent with how I’ve handled those questions in the past, I think I’ll shy away from any media or external speculation other than to say I’m happy here; my family is happy here,” Stearns told reporters last week. “And we’ve got work to do here.”
Both Beane and Stearns are under contract with their current teams through next season.
In addition, former Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs executive Theo Epstein removed his name from consideration for the vacant Mets job earlier this month.
The Mets are attempting a crucial rebuild this winter after a 77-85 showing in 2021. After the club missed the playoffs for the fifth straight season, New York declined the 2022 option on manager Luis Rojas’ contract. Rojas went 103-119 in his two seasons as manager.
In January, the Mets fired general manager Jared Porter after he admitted to sending explicit text messages to female journalists.
In early September, acting general manager Zack Scott was arrested on a charge of driving while intoxicated. He was placed on administrative leave, and team president Sandy Alderson took over GM responsibilities.
–Field Level Media