This evening, the Mets announced that general manager Sandy Alderson has signed a contract extension with the club. It had been rumored since the end of the 2017 season that Alderson was expected to sign a two-year contract extension. However, the length and terms of the contract are not known at this time.
In his seven seasons as GM, Alderson has led the Mets to two playoff berths. After a World Series appearance in 2015—a season in which he was also awarded Executive of the Year by Baseball America—and Wild Card berth in 2016, the Mets then followed with a disappointing 2017, going just 70-92.
When Alderson was hired by the Mets in 2010, his unique background as a lawyer and a Marine was seen as a refreshing change from the previous regime. Before joining the Mets, he led the Athletics to three straight World Series appearances, including one championship in 1989. He was to oversee a period of change for a stumbling franchise.
Some of the most notable moves of his Mets tenure include the R.A. Dickey trade, which netted the Mets Noah Syndergaard and Travis d’Arnaud, the Beltran/Wheeler swap, the Curtis Granderson signing, and—most recently—the acquisition and subsequent re-signing of Yoenis Cespedes (twice).
It is no secret to Mets fans, however, that it has not been smooth sailing for the Mets front office as of late. The unmet expectations of 2017 resulted in the departure of Mets manager Terry Collins, pitching coach Dan Warthen, and head trainer Ray Ramirez. And with a relatively quiet offseason so far, the Wilpons have come under heavy fire for their lack of transparancy regarding payroll.
But the timing of this contract extension suggests that ownership remains confident in Sandy Alderson.
“I’m excited that Sandy will continue to lead the organization,” Jeff Wilpon said in a statement.
Alderson, who recently turned 70, is looking to reverse the team’s fortunes after a frustrating season. Payroll restrictions remain a stubborn roadblock for the Mets’ GM. Nonetheless, Alderson remains determined.
“I feel that we have some unfinished business," he said. “Spring training is around the corner and our quest to return to the postseason will continue.”