Theo Epstein Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports

Mets not hiring Theo Epstein for front office role

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 10/6/21

It was learned Tuesday that the New York Mets, specifically team owner Steve Cohen, planned to speak with former Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs executive Theo Epstein, perhaps as soon as this week, regarding their president of baseball operations opening.

It appears that discussion was merely a friendly chat.

SNY's Andy Martino and other outlets have confirmed that Epstein will not be joining the Mets after both he and Cohen agreed "this was not the right opportunity." Joel Sherman of the New York Post added Epstein is not yet ready to abandon his role as a consultant for MLB.

For Epstein the #Mets were not the right fit now because: 1. He wants to be part of the solution as an advisor to MLB to gettng the on-field product more appealing. 2. He wants his next job to be where he puts a group together to buy a team and start from the ground floor.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) October 6, 2021

Epstein helped build two World Series winners in Boston and one in Chicago, but there was always speculation that he may not be interested in accepting the Mets gig that will include finding a new manager after the club declined the 2022 option attached to Luis Rojas' contract earlier this week. New York had been linked with Oakland Athletics executive vice president Billy Beane and Milwaukee Brewers president of baseball operations David Stearns in previous reports, and Martino says Beane is "a real possibility" for the gig.

Theo Epstein will not be an option for the Mets. So what's next?

"We turn our attention right now to Billy Beane, who I hear is interested"

(@martinonyc) pic.twitter.com/N7odY73aoa
— SNY (@SNYtv) October 6, 2021

Martino also reports "Stearns is considered a long shot" for the Mets.

As of Tuesday, former Mets slugger and nine-time MLB All-Star Carlos Beltran was considered the favorite to become the club's next manager, but New York likely needs to first assemble its new front office before it makes that hire.

More must-reads: