The New York Mets fired manager Mickey Callaway after two seasons, the team announced on Thursday.
Callaway guided the Mets to an 86-76 record and third-place finish in the National League East. The 44-year-old, who owned a 163-161 mark in two seasons, would have entered 2020 on the final season of a three-year deal.
“Mickey Callaway has been relieved of his duties,” according to a post on the Mets’ Twitter feed.
The New York Post reported earlier Thursday that general manager Brodie Van Wagenen and Callaway were scheduled to meet to discuss the manager’s status with the team. Per the report, the Mets’ decision whether to retain the manager had been expected to be announced no later than Friday.
Van Wagenen, who was hired last offseason, and other Mets personnel reportedly met this week to discuss various issues regarding the team. One option was to keep Callaway but provide the manager with a new support staff to help with in-game strategy and preparation for organizational meetings.
The Mets reportedly also were talking with potential managerial candidates in case they fire Callaway.
Major League Baseball prefers significant off-field news be announced either on postseason off-days or following the World Series to avoid overshadowing games.