The Mets continue to search for their next manager after mutually parting ways with Carlos Beltran on Thursday. Multiple names have surfaced as potential replacements for Beltran, and with less than a month until pitchers and catchers report to Port St. Lucie, a decision could be coming soon.
Here is the latest on each candidate...
Hensley Meulens
The Mets bench coach is a top candidate for the position, but New York isn't the only team considering him as a replacement at the moment.
According to MLB Network's Jon Heyman, the Red Sox are showing some interest in Meulens. Alex Cora parted ways with Boston following the Astros' sign-stealing scandal as well, so they're now in the mix for a new manager as well.
Meulens' main weakness on his resume is his lack of managerial experience despite 20 years of coaching in the minors and majors. The 52-year-old would be another first-time manager for the Mets, and at this point in time right before Spring Training, that might be a hard sell to fans.
Luis Rojas
As SNY's Andy Martino reported once the Beltran decision was made, the Mets quality control coach is another internal candidate. The 38-year-old has managerial experience in the minors at multiple levels, and has been with the organization since 2006.
Having someone take over with familiarity of the players and organization would be a safe bet, which is why he is high on the list.
Dusty Baker
Though his name has been brought up for the position, Baker told reporters that the Mets have not contacted him as of Sunday. He's also got his eyes set on the Astros' job right now.
"Like I said, I'm busy, I haven't heard from anybody and first come, first serve and everybody likes to feel that they're wanted," Baker said. "I talked to Mr. (Astros owner Jim) Crane and he made me feel I had a chance if I wanted it."
Baker noted that there was no timeline given by the Astros on a decision, but expected to hear from Crane on Monday. So a report could come out very soon.
NY Post's Mike Puma said on Friday that Baker was in discussion for the Mets' job. If they want the 70-year-old, though, they might want to reach out quickly before Houston finds its next man in charge.
Eduardo Perez
He's the man with the best odds by Bet Online to get the job, given that he was a finalist for it before Beltran ultimately was named manager. But, as of Thursday night, Perez said the Mets had not reached out.
"I have not heard from the New York Mets," Perez said. "I think they're gonna do their due diligence and move forward from this. And I can tell you this: from the interview process that I did go through in October through November, they did their due diligence. This just popped up and it looks like it did not work their way. But at least with me, they did do their due diligence."
Perez also spoke on Beltran, saying he was upset to see him let go because managing "was a dream of his."
For the current ESPN analyst, though, the credentials are there after his time managing in Puerto Rico, where he was named Manager of the Year in 2008. He also managed the Colombian national team in 2013 during the World Baseball Classic. His latest coaching spot was with the Astros in 2013 as their bench coach.
Other Candidates
Martino also mentions Mets first base coach Tony DeFrancesco and Nationals bench coach Tim Bogar as two coaches that could see calls from the front office. However, there have been no updates about their status in the search.
DeFrancesco has managed in Triple-A for the past two seasons, and being another internal candidate, he will likely be considered. As for Bogar, he was part of the initial manager search, and the Mets wouldn't mind peeling someone away from a division rival if it made sense.
Also, Brewers bench coach Pat Murphy is another name to keep in mind. Brewers people told Robert Murray the 61-year-old would be an "ideal fit" for the Mets. He interviewed during with the team three times before the Beltran hire.