Phillies, Girardi More Likely with Mets Targeting Beltran

While the Phillies look to interview Joe Girardi for a second time, the Mets’ first known managerial “callback” interview is reportedly Carlos Beltran.

With Joe Maddon signing on with the Los Angeles Angels, just seven teams remain which need a new manager for the 2020 season.

Two of the seven teams reside in the National League East, the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets.

One of the most experienced and well-accomplished managers drawing interest remains available, 2009 World Series-winning former New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi.

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And while most speculated Girardi would sign on with the Yankees’ city rival Mets, the connection between the two to replace Mickey Callaway is appearing less and less likely.

According to SNY’s Andy Martino, former nine-time All-Star, three-time Gold Glove Award winner and 20-year retired outfielder Carlos Beltran “is expected to get a second in-person managerial interview” with the Mets.

Beltran, according to Martino, is the Mets’ “first known callback,” and that “Omar Minaya and Allard Baird [are] said to be in his corner.”

As the odds for a Girardi-Mets pairing decrease, the odds only grow for the Phillies ink Girardi to succeed Gabe Kapler.

Beltran, 42, played with the Mets from 2005 to 2011, and the Yankees from 2014 to 2016. He is among a list of at least eight “reported and confirmed” Mets managerial candidates, joining Girardi, Mike Bell, Tim Bogar, Eduardo Pérez, Luis Rojas, Skip Schumaker, Derek Shelton.

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The Phillies’ managerial search is much more focused, with the team reportedly interested in only two other candidates, in addition to Girardi: Buck Showalter and Dusty Baker.

Girardi will have a second interview with the Phillies some time in the coming week, and according to Martino’s Friday report, the Phillies “seem more likely for Girardi still than (the) Mets.”

Among teams still needing managers — the Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants, San Diego Padres, Pittsburgh Pirates, Kansas City Royals, Mets and Phillies — only a few are equipped to draw mutual interest with Girardi.

Girardi clearly has interest in the Phillies, as do the Phillies have interest in Girardi. With the Phillies’ managerial interviewing moving quickly, a final decision could be announced in sooner than later.