New York Mets top managerial options after Beltran’s departure

Eduardo Perez

When the New York Mets initially set out to find Mickey Callaway’s replacement, ESPN analyst Eduardo Perez was one of their top choices. He was considered a runner-up to Beltran for the position, so it would make sense the team still has an interest in him.

Perez even congratulated Beltran when the latter was announced a the Amazins new manager. It’s unclear if he would be willing to walk away from his analyst position at this point, to join a team after being passed up earlier. During the Mets initial round of interviews, Perez said he was “honored” to be in consideration for the job.

The former 13-year MLB veteran possesses high-level coaching and managerial experience. Back in 2008, he was named the Puerto Rico Winter League Manager of the Year with Leones de Ponce. He returned to Puerto Rico in 2014 to lead the Santurce Crabbers to a league title. During the 2013 World Baseball Classic, Perez managed Columbia during qualifying.

Additionally, Perez held several different coaching positions in Major League Baseball. He worked under Ozzie Guillen in Miami as a hitting coach. He then worked for the Houston Astros as their bench coach and then first base coach.

Like Yankees manager and former ESPN colleague Aaron Boone, Perez grew up the son of an MLB player. In his case, Hall of Famer Tony Perez, The younger Perez grew up surrounded by baseball legends including Pete Rose, Joe Morgan and Johnny Bench.