Eduardo Perez Reportedly “Clear Front Runner” To Manage Mets

The Mets’ wide-open managerial hunt appears to be narrowing. Eduardo Perez is now seen as the “clear front runner” to earn the gig, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today (via Twitter).

It isn’t clear what Perez needs to do to lock down the position, but he’s among the relatively large number of candidates to receive a second interview. Former star Carlos Beltran, Twins bench coach Derek Shelton, and Mets quality control coach Luis Rojas are among those who’ve had multiple chats with the New York organization’s decisionmakers.

Nationals first base coach Tim Bogar is another name in the running. He is said to have impressed in his second sit-down, per Andy Martino of SNY.tv (Twitter link), though it may not be enough to land the job unless something gums up Perez’s candidacy.

Naturally, there are also still hints of mystery candidates floating around. And it’d be foolhardy to make any assumptions until an announcement is made. But it certainly sounds as if Perez is angling to take the reins.

Perez features impeccable baseball bloodlines, polished communication ability, and experience as a bench coach. He has managed in Puerto Rican winter ball and has an extremely varied background in the game. Perez would follow Aaron Boone in moving from the media realm into the big seat in a New York dugout.