Showalter returning to MLB Network

Former Mets manager Buck Showalter is rejoining the MLB Network roster.

Showalter is set to return as an on-air analyst after being fired by the Mets in October.

The 67-year-old Showalter previously worked for MLB Network from 2020-21 before the Mets hired him ahead of the 2022 season. He is scheduled to appear on the studio show “MLB Tonight” on April 1, the network said in an announcement Monday.

“I enjoyed my time at MLB Network with people I know and respect, so when this opportunity came up, I couldn’t say no,” Showalter said in a statement. “There are many ways to analyze baseball, and I appreciate the different perspectives that come with working at the network. We all bring what we bring and it’s very entertaining.”

The Mets went 101-61 in Showalter’s first season, earning him Manager of the Year honors for the fourth time, but slumped to a 75-87 mark during a disappointing 2023 campaign despite a historic payroll. Showalter announced before the Mets’ final game last season that he would not be brought back under David Stearns, who was selected weeks earlier to become the president of baseball operations.

“The new leadership, they’re going to go in a different direction,” Showalter said on Oct. 1 at Citi Field.

Stearns then hired Carlos Mendoza, formerly the Yankees’ bench coach, to replace Showalter as manager. Showalter was a finalist for the Angels’ managerial opening, MLB Network reported, before Los Angeles hired Ron Washingtonthisoffseason.

Showalter also managed the Yankees, Arizona Diamondbacks, Texas Rangers and Baltimore Orioles and boasts a record of 1,727-1,665 over 22 seasons. He has worked for ESPN and YES Network as well.

His return to MLB Network comes about a month after the network hired recently retired St. Louis Cardinals ace Adam Wainwright, also to be an analyst.