Max Scherzer reportedly “made it known” to the Mets that he wanted Buck Showalter to be named the team’s new manager, according to a Sports Illustrated report earlier this month, and New York’s new $130 million man got his wish.
But when Showalter was introduced as the Mets manager on Tuesday, general manager Billy Eppler made it clear that he had no discussions with Scherzer, or anybody on the roster, while deciding on who would be the franchise’s 24th manager.
“I talked to a lot of different people, no active players in this process, but I did reach out to some people that had played for a lot of the candidates,” Eppler said. “Checked with coaches that have coached with people, general managers and presidents that have managed them, so really cast a wide net when we were looking into the candidates…but I did not speak with any active player.”
Those that Eppler did reach out to clearly made an impact, one that was only strengthened once Eppler talked to Showalter himself.
“Starting this interview process a few weeks back, we sought to look at a variety of candidates from various backgrounds and experience levels,” Eppler said. “We looked at a number of criteria, from culture and connectivity with players and staff to embracing new practices in both player performance and analytics. We wanted to assess how the candidates problem solved and communicated, and how they would share a culture with high operational standards.
“It was Buck’s ability to connect to a wide range of people, his drive to compete, his curiosity blended with his experience and overall adaptability that led us to naming him the manager of the New York Mets.”
Part of Showalter’s experience and adaptability comes from his four seasons as Yankees manager, where he experienced the spotlight of playoff baseball in the Big Apple. Mets team president Sandy Alderson believes it is a part of his resume that will suit him well in Queens.
“We’re very happy that Buck is coming back to New York, a place where he started his baseball and managerial careers, and where he’s had a tremendous amount of experience and familiarity with all of you and New York fandom,” Alderson said.
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