Buck Showalter Fired as New York Mets Manager After Disappointing 2023 Season
In a shocking move, the New York Mets have announced the firing of Buck Showalter as their manager following a disappointing 2023 season. The Mets, who had high expectations after spending a record $355 million on their payroll, finished the season with a dismal 74-86 record, falling far short of playoff contention.
Showalter himself confirmed that he will not be returning as the manager next year, and the Mets have wasted no time in searching for a replacement. David Stearns is expected to be hired as the president of baseball operations, and his arrival will likely herald the selection of the team’s new manager.
Despite the disappointing season, Mets owner Steve Cohen praised Showalter’s contributions to the team. Under Showalter’s leadership, the Mets achieved an impressive 101-win season and made it to the postseason in 2022. Unfortunately, they were eliminated in the National League wild-card series.
Showalter took over as manager in 2022 and had immediate success, earning the title of NL Manager of the Year. However, the team failed to build on that momentum in 2023, leading to the decision for a managerial change.
The Mets made significant moves during the offseason to bolster their pitching staff, including the acquisition of Justin Verlander. However, the team ended up trading away several veterans before the trade deadline, indicating a shift in focus towards the future. General manager Billy Eppler expressed that a change in leadership was necessary as the team looks to rebuild and improve.
With Showalter’s departure, the Mets now begin the process of searching for their next manager. The team intends to start the search immediately in order to give the new manager ample time to prepare for the upcoming season. The Mets are hopeful that a fresh face at the helm will bring renewed energy and lead the team to greater success in the future.
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