Mets' GM search close to wrapping up

December 12th, 2020

NEW YORK -- The Mets are close to naming their next general manager, with a decision expected as soon as early next week, according to a source.

Red Sox assistant GM Zack Scott, D-backs assistant GM Jared Porter, A’s assistant GM Billy Owens and former Marlins president of baseball operations Michael Hill have all interviewed for the job, a source said on Friday night. Mets president Sandy Alderson appears likely to choose his next GM from among that group -- which includes an array of personalities and backgrounds -- though a source cautioned that other candidates remain in the mix.

Scott just completed his 17th season in the Red Sox organization, and his first as an executive vice president overseeing the team’s analytics, baseball systems and pro scouting departments. The analytically minded Scott, who began with the Red Sox as an intern in 2004, has served as an assistant GM for two years.

Porter has been linked to numerous GM jobs over the past few seasons, including the Cubs’ open position, for which various reports have pegged him a favorite. He has been an assistant GM in Arizona for four years, following stints with the Cubs and Red Sox.

Owens has been with the Athletics for more than two decades, beginning in the coaching ranks before moving to the front office. The A’s made him an assistant GM in 2015. Owens, who is well-versed in scouting, worked closely with Alderson when the latter was an A’s special assistant from 2018-19.

Hill is the only known candidate with GM experience, having served as the Marlins’ top baseball operations executive from 2013 until October. Although Hill helped engineer the Marlins’ roster rebuild and 2020 playoff appearance, the team dismissed him following the season.

Whomever the Mets hire will report directly to Alderson, who has said he would like that person to grow into a more prominent role over time. The Mets initially intended to hire both a president of baseball operations and a GM, but later decided to hire only a GM. As such, Alderson will remain intimately involved in baseball operations throughout this offseason.