Ranking the MLB managerial openings

2. New York Mets

Even with their 86-76 finish, the New York Mets made the right decision to part with Mickey Callaway. In two years, Callaway just never quite showed an ability to handle the in-game decision making required to manage a World Series contender. The Mets are going all in on getting back to the playoffs with their current roster (more specifically, before Noah Syndergaard hits free agency). Callaway, who was taking his orders directly from ownership and the front office at times, was not going to be the one to get them over the hump.

The Mets turned a lot of heads by deciding to keep their roster together at the trade deadline and made an aggressive push by acquiring Marcus Stroman. If they are able to find a way to re-sign right-hander Zack Wheeler, the Mets will have a top four that can match up against anyone in the league. Callaway was known as a pitching guru when he came to New York from Cleveland, and the Mets starters did continue to show signs of growth with him.

The next Mets manager will walk into one of the best situations in the league. Led by Pete Alonso, J.D. Davis and Jeff McNeil, this is a young lineup that can do more than just hit home runs. We already touched on the starting rotation, which makes the Mets a potential contender, regardless of how the offense does.

Callaway failed with the Mets because he was not able to handle the bullpen, which is sometimes difficult for managers making the transition from a coach role. The Mets came up a few games short of the playoffs this year, and those games can be made up next year simply with better bullpen management.