Running for president
The Mets are expected to soon begin a search for a president of baseball operations to guide a front office currently led by team president Sandy Alderson. Where will they turn, following a tumultuous year on and off the field? A look at some of the possibilities:
Theo Epstein
Any list has to begin with the free-agent Epstein, who left the Cubs after last season to take a step back from the daily grind. Epstein has spent this season working for MLB, but hasn’t provided any clues about his interest in returning to front-office life. Epstein, who will turn 48 in December, has presided over three World Series winners.
Billy Beane
The 59-year-old former Mets outfielder could come full circle and return to the organization that selected him in the first round of the 1980 draft. But Beane is also heavily entrenched in Oakland, with an ownership stake in the Athletics, and has delegated much of his authority in recent years. Beane has a tight relationship with Mets president Sandy Alderson.
David Stearns
The Brewers’ president of baseball operations was on the Mets’ wish list last winter, but Alderson never received permission to speak with him. Stearns, a 36-yearold New York native, is under contract with Milwaukee through only next season, perhaps increasing his leverage this time around with the Brewers if the Mets try to pursue him.
Josh Byrnes
The Dodgers senior vice president of baseball operations was a finalist to lead the Mets’ front office following the 2010 season, when Alderson got the job. He was on Alderson’s radar last offseason, but didn’t want to be considered for the position because of a family matter.
Jeff Luhnow
The former Astros president of baseball operations, who will turn 55 in December, was suspended for the 2020 season, after he was fired from his position in the fallout from the team’s illegal sign-stealing scheme. A.J. Hinch and Alex Cora, two managers fired after the scope of the transgressions was revealed, have since returned to baseball.
DEEP IMPACT:
Brett Gardner and the Yankees had plenty to celebrate Friday against Cleveland, as his three-run blast in the seventh inning was one of five his team hit in an 8-0 victory in The Bronx. Joey Gallo (top inset) high-fives with teammates in the dugout after his eighth-inning solo blast — his second of the game — while Aaron Judge rounds the bases after his fourth-inning homer. Robert Sabo (3)