Syracuse Mets manager Scott takes leave after cancer diagnosis, expects full recovery

NEW YORK -- Triple-A Syracuse Mets manager Dick Scott has taken a leave of absence to address his health following a kidney cancer diagnosis, the team announced Tuesday.

Scott recently underwent surgery “and is on his way to a full recovery,” the team said in a statement. Scott added in a text message that he’s “feeling much better.” He hopes to return to his post at Syracuse before season’s end.

Scott, 64, is in his 13th season with the Mets’ organization and his fourth as Triple-A manager. In that role, he has overseen the development of top prospects Francisco Alvarez, Nolan McLean, Christian Scott, A.J. Ewing, Carson Benge and others. Last year, Scott received the Sheldon “Chief” Bender Award for distinguished service in player development.

“We are so happy for Dick and his family that he is recovering with a clean bill of health and hope he is able to return this season," Syracuse Mets general manager Jason Smorol said in a statement. "Dick has been a stalwart for our team and we wish him all the best in his recovery.”

Following a decade-long career as a player, Scott took jobs with the Diamondbacks, Blue Jays and Astros before joining the Mets in a player-development role in 2011. He became their Major League bench coach under Terry Collins in 2016, serving two years in that capacity before spending three more seasons in the Marlins’ front office. Scott rejoined the Mets in 2021.

A Maine native, Scott and his wife, Kristin, have two sons and two grandchildren.