Mets Had “Internal Discussions” About Billy Owens for GM Vacancy

Photo by Carlos Avila Gonzalez of The Chronicle

According to Ken Davidoff of the New York Post, former Oakland Athletics organizational mainstay Billy Owens is “in the mix” for the New York Mets’ vacant general manager position.

Per Davidoff’s report:

“While it’s not clear whether Owens, 49, has formally interviewed for the job, the Mets have held internal discussions about his candidacy, according to an industry source.”

“[Owens] is highly regarded throughout the industry for having a keen scouting eye — he pushed Oakland to commit $36 million to a Cuban free agent named Yoenis Cespedes in 2012 — as well as strong people skills.”

Owens, 49, spent 19 seasons in the A’s organization, wearing an assortment of hats during his tenure in the Bay Area. The overwhelming consensus on Owens is his elite talent evaluation skills.

Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle (paywall) spoke with an array of current and former Oakland fixtures earlier this year regarding his knowledge of the game and the level of dedication he brings to the ballpark.

From Slusser’s article:

“When it comes to any of the nitty-gritty baseball stuff, Owens’ resume sparkles. He is known for his relentless enthusiasm and energy, and for what colleagues describe as a photographic memory.”

“Owens is renowned for his scouting reports. He wants readers to be able to close their eyes and picture players, so he doesn’t stick to the standard ‘average, above average’ formula. An avid reader himself, he turns his work into art. He’s been known to refer to standout players as ‘regal’.”

Former Mets executive J.P. Ricciardi has been mentioned as a potential candidate, and the team confirmed an interview with former Marlins president of baseball operations Michael Hill earlier this month.

With the wheels of the offseason already at a steady churn, Cohen and team president Sandy Alderson’s push toward a GM hire could be next on the Mets’ docket.

We’ll keep you posted with any new information as it becomes available.