Mets ‘target Craig Counsell to replace fired Buck Showalter,’ but New York must compete against ‘several’ other teams to land in-demand free agent manager

Craig Counsell is reportedly seen as the leading candidate for the New York Mets management vacancy.

The free agent manager has reportedly interviewed for the position as the Mets look for a replacement for veteran skipper Buck Showalter, who was fired in early October.

The organization is about to announce a new manager, but it depends on the decision of the much sought-after Counsell, according to the New York Post.

Counsell has several teams interested in him after leading the Milwaukee Brewers to the playoffs in five of the past six years.

And it’s believed he had his pick of the Cleveland Guardians, the Mets and a return to the Brewers.

The New York Mets are reportedly targeting Craig Counsell for their managerial vacancy

The Mets are looking to replace Buck Showalter, who was fired in early October

However, according to the Associated Press, the Guardians appointed Stephen Vogt on Monday afternoon, despite meeting with Counsell over their appointment as manager on October 30.

Counsell is reportedly leaning towards the Mets as he is reportedly ‘serious’ about the franchise, according to The mail.

He has a strong working relationship with Mets baseball president David Stearns, who was hired in October after working alongside Counsell in Milwaukee. Meanwhile, Counsell and his wife Michelle are reportedly loving New York.

Should New York fail to bring Counsell to the Big Apple, Stearns is said to have lined up two other potential candidates; Yankees bench coach Carlos Mendoza and A’s manager Mark Kotsay.

However, neither has experience leading teams to the playoffs — something Counsell has accomplished in five of the past six years.

Counsell’s contract with Milwaukee expired last week, but the Brewers are allowing him to look elsewhere while hoping they can re-sign the coveted manager.

Brewers principal owner Mark Attanasio has said multiple times that the team wants Counsell back in 2024.

Yankees bench coach Carlos Mendoza is also believed to be a candidate for the position

A’s manager Mark Kotsay is also being considered if the Mets don’t land Counsell

The Guardians have interviewed several candidates to replace Francona. Mariners bullpen coach Stephen Vogt was in Cleveland last week for his second interview with the club and is considered one of the top candidates.

Milwaukee went 92-70 this season and won the NL Central title before being swept by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the Wild Card Series.

Counsell took over as Milwaukee’s manager during the 2015 season after Ron Roenicke was fired. The Brewers had made a total of four playoff appearances before Counsell took over.

Counsell, the longest-tenured manager in the National League, is 707-625 with the Brewers, giving him the club record for wins and games managed.