Mets couldn't even get an interview with this assistant manager

Rangers associate manager Will Venable declined an opportunity to interview for the Mets’ managerial vacancy, he told Joel Sherman of the New York Post. The former MLB outfielder had also drawn interest from the Guardians.

MLB.com’s Jon Morosi reported last week that Venable intended to remain in Arlington, however. Venable went on record to confirm that, telling Sherman he’s “not pursuing any other jobs.” He expressed his comfort working with Texas general manager Chris Young and skipper Bruce Bochy.

Venable has long been regarded as a future manager. The Princeton graduate played nine years in the big leagues. He has since spent six seasons on an MLB coaching staff, working with the Cubs and Red Sox before joining Texas last winter. Venable has interviewed for manager jobs in prior offseasons but clearly doesn’t intend to take on such a position in 2024.

There hasn’t been a ton of detail on the Mets’ search since the team moved on from Buck Showalter three weeks ago. First-year baseball operations leader David Stearns has said only that the club planned to cast a wide net. The Athletic’s Will Sammon reported this week that New York would go outside the organization for its new hire. There’s been plenty of speculation about Craig Counsell leaving Milwaukee to rejoin Stearns in Queens, but the Mets won’t be able to speak with Counsell until the start of next month under the terms of his contract with the Brewers.