We're down to two.
The Mets will choose between Rays senior VP of baseball operations Chaim Bloom and agent Brodie Van Wagenen to fill the GM role with the team, SNY's Andy Martino confirmed.
In turn, former Brewers and Rangers GM Doug Mevlin is out of the running.
Melvin was the only candidate to participate in a conference call on Tuesday after his second-round interview. Questions about the 66-year-old stepping down as the Brewers GM in 2015 arose, to which he answered saying he simply needed a break away from the game.
"That's probably how I felt at that particular time," Melvin said about feeling the job might be better for a younger person. "Maybe I needed a break from it at that point," he said, adding that he "Gradually got a couple of years where I could take a breather after 20 years as a GM."
Well, the Mets will be going with their younger options -- both of which are intriguing for the organization. Instead of participating in a conference call because of his current role with the Rays, Bloom released a statement on Thursday after meeting wiwth Fred and Jeff Wilpon on Wednesday.
"We had a productive meeting yesterday," Bloom said. "There weas a lot of baseball conversation and I enjoyed the time we spent together."
The 35-year-old Bloom, a Yale graduate, has been with the Rays for 13 years, beginning his career with the team as an intern. He worked up the ranks, and has been highly regarded for the work he has done with analytics and scouting alike. The Rays' 90-72 record this season was also largely credited to Bloom, and what he has built along with current Rays GM Erik Neander.
As for Van Wagenen, Martino says he is "in strong position" to win the job. He also released a statement on Monday following his second-round interview.
"I believe baseball is better when the Mets are competitive and successful," Van Wagenen said in a statement after interviewing with Fred and Jeff Wilpon on Monday. "That success is better for the fans, players, and the economy of the sport,". "The players, fans and entire organization will be motivated to have a leader with the skills and commitment to win. If the Wilpons believe I am that person, we will have that conversation."
The high-profile CAA agent, who is the co-head of their baseball division, represents current Mets like Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Yoenis Cespedes and Tim Tebow to name a few. Though he doesn't have any baseball operations experience, Van Wagenen has many connections throughout the league, and his experience of negotiating contracts and using leverage could go a long way with free agency and trades.
It is unknown when the Mets will make their final decision, but it is expected soon.