7 potential candidates to be the next Mets manager
The New York Mets introduced Carlos Beltran as their 22nd manager in team history on Nov. 4, 2019. Credit: Corey Sipkin
On Friday, the Mets ushered in their fifth manager since Terry Collins’ departure in 2017 — sixth if you count Carlos Beltran’s thwarted appointment. Interim manager Andy Green now is at the helm in place of Carlos Mendoza, but Green will return to his front-office role after the season, David Stearns said on Friday at Citi Field. Here’s a look at who could be the next long-term skipper:
Kai Correa
The bench coach usually is next in line when a manager is fired, and the Mets certainly were high on Correa, whom they brought on for his defensive acumen. Correa served as the Giants’ interim manager for three games in 2023 and eventually could ascend to the top spot as he continues to develop in the co-pilot chair under Green.
Carlos Beltran
Already serving as a special assistant to the general manager, Beltran was named Mets manager in November 2019 before the commissioner’s report on the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal called him out by name. Baseball has since forgiven him — he’ll be inducted into the Hall of Fame this summer — and this could be his time for a second chance.
Alex Cora
Cora was fired by the Red Sox earlier this season but helped them win the World Series in 2018 and has a career .534 winning percentage. He also helped the Astros win the World Series as a coach in 2017 but was heavily involved in the sign-stealing scandal.
Dick Scott
Scott, the team’s Triple-A manager, was highly regarded last year for the progress he made with prospects and other players. He and his coaching staff helped Francisco Alvarez get back on track after his demotion in 2025, and he helped foster the likes of Nolan McLean, Jonah Tong and Brandon Sproat. That said, much of the Mets’ minor-league talent has taken a step back this season.
Albert Pujols
Coming off a stint as Juan Soto’s manager on the Dominican Republic team in the World Baseball Classic, the Hall of Famer is in pursuit of his first true major-league managerial job and previously interviewed for the Angels’ position before they opted for Kurt Suzuki.
Rocco Baldelli
Baldelli, currently with the Dodgers’ front office, might want another crack at the manager’s chair after serving as the Twins’ skipper from 2019 to 2025 and as a coach with the Rays before that.
Mark DeRosa
Team USA’s manager for the World Baseball Classic in 2023 and 2026, the former utility infielder was on the short list to replace Collins in 2017 before then-general manager Sandy Alderson opted for Mickey Callaway.
Laura Albanese is the Mets beat writer for Newsday. She's been covering MLB since 2014 after starting at Newsday as an intern seven years earlier.
