What a difference a year has made for the New York Mets and manager Buck Showalter.
Just a year ago, the Mets had won 100 games for the fourth time in franchise history. Showalter was named the NL Manager of the year in his first season at the helm, having turned the tide of the organization. The Mets had continued to fortify the roster in free agency and appeared set to contend for a championship.
Buck Showalter one of many changes for New York Mets
So much for those plans. The Mets were one of baseball’s biggest disappointments this season, undergoing a fire sale at the deadline. David Stearns will be coming in as the president of baseball operations when the season concludes. Showalter, however, will not be back as he and the Mets have parted ways.
This ultimately should not be a surprise. Showalter has had a great deal of success on the bench and is the only person to win the Manager of the Year award in four different decades. He is the right person to bring in to get a team to the cusp of the playoffs. However, he cannot get over the hump, having gotten out of the first round just once in his 22 years managing. Even then, his 2014 Orioles were swept in the ALCS.
And that is the problem. The Mets, even if they are taking a step back, are looking to do far more than just reach the postseason. Stearns was brought in to win a championship. Owner Steve Cohen has been clear that he will not rest until that happens. Showalter, as good of a manager as he may be, just was not capable of taking that next step.
The New York Mets and Buck Showalter are parting ways. This is just one of many changes that could be coming in the next few weeks.
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