Here's the latest on Mets' GM search

Request to interview Crew's Stearns denied; Tribe's Chernoff in mix

November 17th, 2020

The Mets’ request to speak with Brewers president of baseball operations David Stearns about the same position in New York has been denied, sources told MLB.com.

Stearns, 35, signed a multiyear contract extension with the Brewers prior to the 2019 season that included a promotion to president of baseball operations. Clubs often decline to grant permission for team executives to interview for positions with other teams that carry the same title.

The Mets have also requested permission to speak with Indians GM Mike Chernoff, according to a source, adding intrigue to the rumors that they are interested in trading for Francisco Lindor. It is unclear if Cleveland has granted permission to interview Chernoff.

Highly regarded Rays executive Bobby Heck is under consideration for a top front-office role with the Mets as well, a source told Morosi. Since he is not the GM in Tampa Bay, he likely would be permitted to leave for the GM role in New York.

Former Marlins general manager Michael Hill has interviewed with the Mets, according to Andy Martino of SNY; Hill is the only confirmed candidate to have done so thus far. Through a spokesperson, the Mets declined Tuesday morning to comment on the status of their search. The team parted ways with GM Brodie Van Wagenen amid a flurry of significant front office moves earlier this month after Steve Cohen completed his purchase of the Mets.

Stearns grew up in New York as a fan of the Mets and worked in their front office at the start of his career in professional baseball. Stearns was the youngest GM in the sport when he joined Milwaukee in the fall of 2015 at age 30. The Brewers have made the playoffs in each of the past three seasons, the longest such streak in franchise history.d