There are a number of MLB teams in need of a general manager, including the Milwaukee Brewers, Philadelphia Phillies, Miami Marlins, Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Angels and potentially a few others. Will these clubs target a candidate in the New York Mets' front office?
The latest rumors suggest Paul DePodesta could eventually be considered an option by those in need of a GM.
DePodesta is the Mets' VP of player development and scouting. General manager Sandy Alderson arrived in New York in 2010 and hired DePodesta to take over that position, which has made him an instrumental aspect in the organization. The Mets have one of the deepest farm systems in the MLB, which can be largely attributed to DePodesta's role.
"Alderson wanted one person to oversee the Mets' amateur drafts, farm system and international program, with the idea of establishing consistency throughout the organization," FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal writes. "DePodesta has been that person for nearly five years; he has always enjoyed building."
Rumors have linked top candidates Ben Cherington, Jerry Dipoto, Dan Jennings, Billy Eppler, Tyrone Brooks and others to the vacant GM positions, but DePodesta, who previously served as GM of the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2004-2005, has yet to have his name surface. MLB sources also told Rosenthal that DePodesta would be open to becoming a GM again.
"DePodesta is one of the architects of the Mets' revival," Rosenthal adds. "And while some in the industry view him as the team's likely successor to GM Sandy Alderson, who is under contract through '17, nothing would stop a club in search of a GM from asking permission to interview him now."
A lot of the teams looking for a new GM are interested in a candidate with an analytics background. DePodesta is regarded as a big sabermetrics guy and previously served as an assistant for Indians' GM John Hart and Athletics' GM Billy Beane. He was an instrumental figure of the Moneyball movement during Oakland's historic run from 2000-2003.
As the Mets push forth to earn their first NL East title and make their first postseason appearance since 2006, they might lose a crucial aspect of their front office in the offseason depending on how other clubs address their general manager vacancies.
