Another name manager hit the market today as the Nationals informed Dusty Baker his contract won’t be renewed after two years in the Washington dugout.
Although, Baker would become one of the most experienced managers out there looking for work, don’t expect him to interview for the Mets job.
Multiple reports have the Mets not interested in Baker, and have narrowed their list to four candidates: hitting coach Kevin Long, Mariners third base coach Manny Acta, White Sox bench coach Joe McEwing, and Indians pitching coach Mickey Callaway.
According to Joel Sherman of the NY Post, Long and Acta are the front runners and a decision may be made over the weekend, as the Mets would want to make the announcement before the World Series, since MLB has a moratorium on announcements during the series and Long’s hitting coach contract is set to expire on Oct. 31.
That said, only Acta has big league managerial experience with stints in Washington and Cleveland. He was also Willie Randolph’s third base coach in 2005-06.
Today, the Tigers introduced former Met Ron Gardenhire as their new manager and the Red Sox are reportedly finalizing things with Alex Cora. That leaves the Mets, Phillies and Nationals with the only openings.
And with front office changes in Atlanta and Miami, there’s going to be a very different NL East next year.
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