This GM Would Solve Foundational Issues For New York Mets

The New York Mets have had more than their fair share of dysfunctional general managers throughout the years. From Joe McDonald allowing "The Franchise" Tom Seaver to be traded in 1977 to hiring Jared Porter, in between his inappropriate text messages to reporters, the Mets GM position has been anything but "Amazin'."

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On Monday, Marlins general manager Kim Ng and the Miami owner Bruce Sherman parted ways. This season, the Marlins went to their first postseason since 2020. Prior to that 60-game COVID season, 2003 was Miami's last trip to the playoffs. The Marlins went 220-266 with Ng at the helm as GM. However, this season, the Marlins appeared to be hitting their stride. Miami fought off Chicago, Cincinnati and San Diego to finish 84-78 and earn the final National League Wild Card spot. Ng got the Marlins there by building upon a strong young pitching staff and making crucial trade deadline moves.

According to cbssports.com, Sherman told Ng that he wanted to hire a president of baseball operations to work over the GM. That move appears to have ended their relationship. Now Ng, the first woman general manager in baseball, is a free agent. Will the 54-year old baseball executive land a prime job, like president of baseball operations for the Red Sox? Doubtful. With only 3 years of MLB general managerial experience, Ng will be a long-shot to out-duel some tough competition for the Boston job. However, at the GM level, there will be some prime opportunities, like the Mets.

Mets president of baseball operations, David Stearns will have deep pockets when it comes to hiring his team of baseball executives. Sporting his own beefy 5-year/$50 million contract, Stearns won't be worried about hiring someone that may take his job. Look for Stearns to try to assemble an All Star front office team. Ng did a terrific job stocking the pitching prospects in Miami. In addition, Ng added closer Tanner Scott, NL Wild Card Series Game 1 starter Jesús Luzardo and All-Star second baseman Luis Arraez to the 2023 roster in various moves. Ng also hired first-time manager and likely NL Manager of the Year finalist Skip Schumaker last November. All are better moves than the ones made by Billy Eppler.

In all likelihood, Kim Ng will pursue a job as president of baseball operations. However, Steve Cohen has enough money to make Ng forget her title. The Mets could use a smart, high-level GM to work with Stearns. Smart people challenge smart people and make the team better. That was the gist of the book about Abraham Lincoln,"A Team of Rivals." Put the smartest people in the room. Some fighting will happen but so will good results. Hiring Kim Ng as general manager would be a good move for the New York Mets, if they want to put an end to the same old results.