5 candidates to be the next New York Mets manager

2. Bob Geren

Geren has been bench coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers over the last four seasons. Prior to that he was bench coach with the Mets under Terry Collins from 2012-2015, including their run to the World Series in 2015.

At first glance, Geren screams old school as a former player and manager. But by most accounts he’s also a willing embracer of all levels of analytics dating back to his time as bench coach (2003-2006) and eventually manager (2007-2011) of the Oakland Athletics. His more recent time with the Dodgers has further exposed him to advanced data, its value and even its shortcomings when pure intuition and management of players might suggest another route.

From the outside, Geren would not be the most exciting hire for the Mets. But if ownership wants a man with managerial experience, he has that. And if Van Wagenen wants someone who is familiar with and will use analytic data to make decisions, without needing heavy-handed influence from above, Geren might be the guy that makes everyone (except Mets fans, probably) happy.