Disappointing Season Leads to Change
NEW YORK — After a disappointing season, Buck Showalter has been fired as the manager of the New York Mets. Despite being the highest-spending team in baseball, the Mets fell out of contention by midsummer, finishing in fourth place in the NL East, 29 1/2 games behind the champion Atlanta Braves.
Prior to Sunday’s game against Philadelphia, the 67-year-old Showalter announced that he will not be returning next year. Shortly after, the Mets confirmed that they had made the decision for a change in management. Showalter, who previously managed the New York Yankees in the 1990s and has managed a total of five major league clubs, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to manage a second New York team.
Reflecting on the Past and Looking Towards the Future
“I’m proud of what the Mets accomplished during my time as manager. We won nearly 180 games in two years,” stated an emotional Showalter. “Last year, in particular, was one of the most enjoyable experiences I’ve had in the game. It reminded me why I’ve always loved this line of work.”
While Showalter acknowledged that this season didn’t unfold as desired, he expressed his admiration for the passionate Mets fans and their dedication. “In my heart, I can’t help but wonder ‘what if’ things had gone differently. However, I try not to dwell on ‘what ifs’ and instead focus on the present,” he added. “Though this may not be the ending I had envisioned, my love for this city and its players remains steadfast.”
Despite his impending departure, Showalter had planned to complete his managerial duties for Sunday’s game at Citi Field.
New York Mets Announce Managerial Changes
The New York Mets have made significant managerial changes as they prepare for the upcoming baseball season. The team is set to hire David Stearns as the new president of baseball operations, replacing general manager Billy Eppler. This move also signals the departure of current manager Buck Showalter, who had one year remaining on his contract.
In a statement, Mets owner Steve Cohen expressed the team’s intentions to head in a new direction under Stearns’ leadership. He praised Showalter for his contributions, highlighting the 101-win season and postseason berth achieved last year. Cohen also noted that Showalter’s dedication and passion will continue to be felt within the organization.
Showalter took over as manager in 2022 and led the Mets to an impressive 101-61 record, earning him the title of NL Manager of the Year. Despite their strong performance, the team was ultimately eliminated by the San Diego Padres in the wild-card series. The Mets made strategic moves during the offseason, including the addition of three-time Cy Young Award winner, Justin Verlander, to their pitching staff. However, they later traded away some veteran players prior to the August 1 deadline.
Eppler emphasized the decision to make a managerial change in a separate statement, stating that it was the right course of action as they enter a new chapter for the team.
The search for a new manager will commence immediately for the New York Mets, as they strive to build upon their previous successes and continue their pursuit of excellence in the upcoming season.