The list of candidates for the Mets new head of baseball operations has shortened, with Cardinals director of player development Gary LaRocque and former Diamondbacks SVP of baseball operations De Jon Watson out of the running, SNY's Andy Martino confirmed on Friday.
According to Martino, the list is now shortened to that of Kim Ng, Chaim Bloom, Doug Melvin, Brodie Van Wagenen and Casey Close.
LaRocque, in particular, had the scouting background that is in owner Fred Wilpon's favor. However, some believe he was using the Mets' GM interview as leverage to get the Cardinals to offer a contract extension.
Why? Well, the proof is when he interviewed for the Diamondbacks GM position with Tony LaRussa in charge in Arizona. After LaRussa passed on LaRocque, the Cardinals, then, offered an extension.
As for Watson, he was recently hired to the Nationals' scouting department as the special assistant to GM Mike Rizzo back in 2017 after his two seasons with the Diamondbacks.
Of the remaining candidates, Martino points out that Melvin -- the former GM for the Rangers and Brewers -- is a popular choice for some inside and outside the organization.