NEWSLETTER
New York Mets GM Sandy Alderson is taking a leave from the organization as he deals with a recurrence of cancer, and he suggested when he stepped away that it might be a permanent departure, even after he fights off the cancer.
Of foremost thought is that particular battle, but secondary for the Mets, no doubt, is figuring out what they want to do longer term in their front office. Although the Mets play second fiddle to the Yankees in New York, and although their ownership’s external financial entanglements have made the sledding there much more difficult than it should be, the Mets are still a prestige job for up-and-coming front office types. When the Mets look to fill their leadership void, they will be able to call upon some of the biggest names in the game.
Thus, it’s no surprise to see Jon Heyman mention Cubs front office members as possible targets for the Mets: “If the Mets go outside the organization to lead their front office (more on this to come), two possibilities might be GM Jed Hoyer and scouting director Jason McLeod. If the Mets were to go for Hoyer, they’d surely need to give him a president’s title, which could be a complication from the Mets’ standpoint.”
I think it’s become an unstated hope, if not quite expectation, that when Theo Epstein’s current contract is up with the Cubs after 2021, if he departs the organization, Jed Hoyer could step into his role as President. Organizational continuity is huge for long-term success, and Hoyer is clearly more than qualified to run the organization down the road if Epstein departs after 10 years (which he’s said before is about the right time, for him, to be with an organization).
So, then, the mention of Hoyer there gets me a little bit nervous, as these kinds of jobs become available only so often, and I just couldn’t blame anyone could jumping at the chance when it’s presented.
We’ve done this dance many times with McLeod before – it’s still pretty shocking to me that the right situation hasn’t already popped up for him to get a GM gig, because he’s so well-thought-of – and all we can do is hope he has whatever opportunities he deserves, and wish him best whatever happens. And if he stays with the Cubs (perhaps ascending to GM along with Hoyer’s own ascension in a few years? I have no idea about any actual plans on that front), then we’ll all be thrilled about it.
Ultimately, we’ll just have to keep an eye on this if and when the Mets start reaching outside the organization for interviews.
