New York Mets: Who Will Replace Luis Rojas?

After it was announced last Monday that Mets manager Luis Rojas would not be returning in 2022, the topic of discussion immediately turned to who might replace him. While the end of the Rojas Era was met with overwhelming relief that it was over, it should be considered that he did face many obstacles. Here’s a look at eight candidates in the Mets manager hunt, and the chances that I believe they have to get the job.

Most Likely:

Carlos Beltran

In my opinion, Beltran seems like the most likely option to take over as Mets manager in 2022. He was hired as Mets manager before the 2020 season but was immediately let go in mid-January after Major league Baseball found him to be involved in the Houston Astros sign-stealing scandal. Now that the dust has somewhat settled in that investigation, it is very likely that he will be hired again as Mets skipper. Beltran is also a former Met, who has a legacy as a player with a high baseball IQ.

Ron Washington

In his years as the Texas Rangers manager, Washington had an impressive tenure. He won two straight AL Pennants in 2010 and 2011 and had an overall record of 664-611, good for a .521 record. After he was fired late in the 2014 season in Texas, he has yet to find another managerial job. He has made comments recently that he would like to manage again if given the opportunity. Currently the Atlanta Braves’ third base coach, players have raved about his presence in the Braves organization.

Mike Scioscia

From 2000-2018, the Angels went through three name changes: the Anaheim Angels, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, and their current name, the Los Angeles Angels. However, they had just one manager in those 19 years, in Scioscia. He had a terrific tenure for the Angels organization, posting a .536 win-loss percentage, winning two Manager of the Year awards, and the 2002 World Series. His name has already risen in early talks for newly vacant manager jobs since the regular season ended, and it is very well likely that he could end up in Queens in 2022.

Possibilities:

Eduardo Perez

When looking at the Mets manager hunt after the 2019 season after Mickey Callaway was let go, Perez was considered the “clear front runner” by many to become the manager. Perez, a former MLB player turned coach and ESPN color commentator, brings a string baseball mind to a clubhouse. While I believe he will be considered for the Mets When looking at the Mets manager hunt after the 2019 season after Mickey Callaway was let go, Perez was considered the “clear front runner” by many to become the manager. Perez, a former MLB player turned coach and ESPN color commentator brings a strong baseball mind to a clubhouse. While I believe he will be considered for the Mets managerial job, I foresee the organization trying to bring in a candidate with management experience at the Major League level.

Brad Ausmus

After a successful 18-year career as a player, there were high expectations for Ausmus as a manager. However, his managerial career has not truly panned out, as he holds a lowly .478 win-loss percentage in his five years as manager. His last gig was in 2019 when he was hired as the Los Angeles Angels manager, but he was let go after a 72-90 season. Though it is quite possible he will get another shot to manage in Major League Baseball, I doubt it will be for the Mets.

John Farrell

Over his up-and-down managerial career, FaOver his up-and-down managerial career, Farrell holds a .517 win percentage and led the Boston Red Sox to a World Series Championship in 2013. His name has risen in the early discussions as to who will replace Rojas, and rightfully so. Farrell is also a New Jersey native and was drafted 24th overall by the Mets in the 1980 MLB Draft. He’d bring a winning pedigree to the Mets organization, and I believe he will be at least considered to take over as manager.

Long Shots:

Buck Showalter

From what I’ve seen on Twitter and other social media platforms, Mets fans want Buck to take the helm. When looking at his 1,551-1517 career record as manager, to go along with his three Manager of the Year awards, it is no question From what I’ve seen on Twitter and other social media platforms, Mets fans want Buck to take the helm. When looking at his 1,551-1517 career record as a manager, to go along with his three Manager of the Year awards, it is no question why the Flushing faithful want him to replace Rojas. While having Showalter would be nice, I think it is somewhat of a long shot. I believe it is far more likely he ends up replacing San Diego Padres manager Jayce Tingler, or makes his return back to the Bronx to manage the New York Yankees again.

Bob Melvin

In a perfect world, Melvin’s contract as Oakland A’s manager would run out after the 2021 season, and he could slide in as the new Mets manager. However, Oakland picked up his option for the 2022 season. There have been subtle rumors that the Mets may be interested in bringing Melvin and GM Billy Beane as a package deal, via trade. Though this is possible, it does not seem very likely. While the Mets could use a veteran manager with playoff experience in Melvin, I believe there are too many moving parts for a trade like this to happen.

Bruce Bochy

As I wrote before, there is no manager out there that I would love more to replace Rojas than Bruce Bochy. The future Hall of Fame manager was the mainstay in the San Francisco Giants dynasty, that won three World Series CAs I wrote before, there is no manager out there that I would love more to replace Rojas than Bruce Bochy. The future Hall of Fame manager was the mainstay in the San Francisco Giants dynasty, which won three World Series Championships in a five-year span, from 2010-2014. While it is a long shot that he will come back, let alone become the manager of the Mets, he has said he would be open to making a managerial return.