Mets’ Next Manager Odds Favor Joe Girardi (+500) Over Dusty Baker (+600); Jessica Mendoza at +2500

• The New York Mets fired Mickey Callaway after missing the playoffs
• Former Yankees manager Joe Girardi has the best odds among the potential replacements
• Will Girardi switch sides in the Subway Series or will someone else take over the Mets?

Despite a nine-win improvement from the 2019 New York Mets, it wasn’t enough to save Mickey Callaway’s job. While the team finished just three games out of a Wild Card spot in the NL, their 2019 World Series odds were never shorter than +2400 after early May.

Another season of perceived underachievement means the Mets are now looking for a new bench boss. If the odds are to be believed, they could be luring former Yankees manager Joe Girardi across town.

Is Girardi a shoo-in for the job?

Odds to Be New York Mets’ Next Manager

*Odds taken 10/08/2019

There are a lot of names on that list. The three long-shots may be the easiest to cross off.

While Jessica Mendoza was hired by the Mets in an advisory role, it would be stunning to see her named manager. According to The New York Times,  her role focuses on “player evaluation, roster construction, and health and performance”.

That seems to put her in line for a high-profile front office role one day. Not a manager. And likely not after one year.

Mets managerial tidbits:

– Callaway's ranks 6th out of 21 managers in W-L
– The two managers with the worst winning percentage (Torre/Stengel) are both in HOF as managers
– Bobby V finished Mets career 69 games above .500
– Terry Collins is 2nd with 20 ejections (Torre 1st w/23)

— Mike Mayer (@mikemayer22) October 4, 2019

Both David Wright and Terry Collins hold front-office roles with the Mets, as well. While Wright would make for a great PR move, he doesn’t have much experience outside of playing.

And this article from earlier in September makes it seem like Collins’ future with the team isn’t on the bench, although he did lead them to the World Series in 2015.

Carlos Beltran Only Rookie Who Makes Sense for New York Mets

Beltran has been a hot name for openings for a couple of years now, and with the Mets apparently doing their due diligence on him, the feeling may be mutual.

Name to watch if #Mets fire Callaway: Carlos Beltrán. Bi-lingual. Strong communicator. Played for #Mets from 2005 to ‘11. Interviewed for #Yankees’ job that went to Boone. One Mets exec, Allard Baird, was his GM with #Royals. Another, Omar Minaya, signed him when he was NYM GM.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) October 3, 2019

The reported tension that once existed between Beltran and the Mets is, apparently, a thing of the past. At +1200, there’s enough evidence there to offer solid value.

Joe Girardi Highlights Experienced Candidates

A week ago, we looked at the odds for other MLB next-manager props and where some of the experienced names could go.

We mentioned that Joe Maddon could likely hand-pick his next destination. It sounds like he’s about to do that.

Joe Maddon will interview with the #Angels early this week and they are his No. 1 choice, sources tell The Athletic. Maddon spent 31 years in Angels’ organization before joining the Rays as manager in 2006. First to report interview with LAA: @Buster_ESPN.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) October 6, 2019

But what about Joe Girardi?

This clip started making the rounds a few days ago. It’s Girardi, Kenny Albert and AJ Pierzynski joking about the opening in New York.

Joe Girardi to the Mets feels like a pretty good bet. pic.twitter.com/ZTrWuBsc1n

— Joe Giglio (@JoeGiglioSports) October 6, 2019

There’s also this from the New York Post:

Joe Girardi began asking friends and former colleagues about the organization in recent weeks, according to an industry source, well aware a managerial change could be coming.

Outside of Maddon, Girardi is the biggest, and most-relevant name on the list. He also knows how to handle New York.

Girardi, Beltran Offer Value in New York Mets Manager Search

With all of the smoke surrounding his name, Girardi is the safest bet. While Albert and Pierzynski could just be joking, there’s likely a bit of truth there from one side or the other.

If I was going to bet on a second name at this point, it would be Beltran. If things keep progressing the way they are, he could actually interview for the job, shortening his odds.

This early in the process, those seem to be the two names with the most weight behind them.