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The Mets' hunt for a new manager appears to be nearing its conclusion.
WFAN baseball insider Jon Heyman reported Friday that the search is down to three candidates: ESPN analyst Eduardo Perez, Yankees special adviser Carlos Beltran and Twins bench coach Derek Shelton. MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, citing an unnamed source, took it one step further, reporting that it's now down to Perez and Beltran.
The New York Post's Joel Sherman reported Thursday night that the Mets decided against bringing Nationals first-base coach Tim Bogar in for a third interview. And Heyman's and Feinsand's reporting indicates Brewers bench coach Pat Murphy's name also has been crossed off the list.
The team is not expected to announce a hiring until after the weekend, SNY's Andy Martino reported.
Perez, 50, enjoyed a 13-year major league career with the Angels, Reds, Cardinals, Devil Rays, Indians and Mariners.
Troy Taormina/USA TODAY Images Beltran, 42, played 20 seasons in the majors from 1998-2017 for the Royals, Mets, Yankees, Astros, Cardinals, Giants and Rangers. The former outfielder was a nine-time All-Star, three-time Gold Glove winner, American League Rookie of the Year and World Series champion with Houston in 2017.
The Yankees interviewed Beltran after the 2017 season for the managerial opening that went to Aaron Boone. The Yanks then hired Beltran as a special adviser to general manager Brian Cashman in December 2018.
With his sights set on the Mets opening, Beltran said he turned down opportunities to interview with the Cubs and Padres this year.