Finally Official: The New York Mets Have Their New Manager

In what could be one of the worst-kept secrets in baseball this year, the New York Mets have finally announced that their new manager will be Buck Showalter. And in a predictable Steve Cohen move, the official announcement was made on Twitter by the team owner himself:

I’m pleased to announce Buck Showalter as the new manager of the New York Mets
— Steven Cohen (@StevenACohen2) December 18, 2021

It's a three-year deal, according to MLB insider Jon Heyman.

The 65-year-old Showalter has a long and storied career as a major league manager with several teams, including winning the Manager of the Year award three times.

Showalter #Mets
20yrs 1551-1517
3 1st place finishes
4 2nd place finishes
6 3rd place finishes
3 Manager of the Year Awards 1994 2004 and 2014
— Jim Bowden⚾️ (@JimBowdenGM) December 18, 2021

As noted by former major league GM Jim Bowden, Showalter has a 20-year career mark of 1,551-1,517, along with three 1st place finishes.

Although he hasn't won a World Series, there is a history of his teams significantly improving once he takes over. One of his former players, Mark Teixeira, recently called him "the smartest man in baseball."

Showalter has been a heavy favorite to land the gig for a couple of weeks, ever since both Cohen, and new clubhouse leader Max Scherzer made it clear that he was their top choice. And when Max Scherzer talks, his teams usually listen.

As pointed out by New York Times baseball writer Tyler Kepner, based on Showalter's career tendencies, the Mets could really be in for a treat in the 3rd year of the contract:

Buck Showalter has won the Manager of the Year award in 1994 (Yankees), 2004 (Rangers) and 2014 (Orioles). So the third year of his new Mets deal should be something special.
— Tyler Kepner (@TylerKepner) December 18, 2021

He's won Manager of the Year in 1994 (NY Yankees), 2004 (Texas Rangers) and 2014 (Baltimore Orioles). 2024 would be the 3rd year of Showalter's term in Queens. Mets fans would like to see this weird quirk of history repeat itself.

Photo Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports