Insider offers update on manager search for Mets

It sounds like the New York Mets are in no hurry to hire a manager after they parted ways with Buck Showalter before their 2023 season finale.

"There is no sign yet that the team has interviewed external candidates," MLB insider Andy Martino of SNY reported on Monday afternoon. 

Among potential candidates is Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell, who accumulated a regular-season record of 707-625 from 2015 through 2023. Counsell guided the Brewers to the playoffs each season from 2018 through 2021 and did so again this year. Milwaukee lost the 2018 National League Championship Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers in seven games under his watch as well.

Counsell has repeatedly been linked with the Mets since it was learned before the 2023 regular season concluded that former Brewers president of baseball operations David Stearns would officially accept that role with the Mets this month. Stearns is currently running New York's front office after general manager Billy Eppler resigned amid a reported investigation into Eppler's alleged improper use of the injured list. 

"Counsell...cannot interview with other clubs until his contract expires on Oct. 31," Martino explained. "I had wondered if the Brewers — who hope to retain Counsell — would allow it as a courtesy and a way to get the process rolling, but they have not." 

Martino added that "the Mets' search hasn't really ignited yet," which suggests they may simply be waiting until they're allowed to speak with Counsell before they get serious about finding Showalter's replacement. 

It was reported last week that the Mets seem unlikely to trade All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso this offseason, in part because team owner Steve Cohen is "aiming to compete in 2024" despite the club's summer fire sale. Cohen made the Mets responsible for baseball's largest payroll this year, and his big-spending ways theoretically should make New York's managerial opening a desirable gig for Counsell if the 53-year-old is willing to make a move to the Big Apple this fall.