Joe Girardi Would Be an Idiot to Choose the Mets Over the Cubs

It appears that it's not a matter of if Joe Girardi gets a managerial gig this offseason, but when. So, who is going to hire the former Yankee skipper?

According to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, Girardi will interview with the Chicago Cubs at some point, but he is also understood to be "keenly interested" in the New York Mets opening.

Joe Girardi, who has Cubs interview coming up, is said keenly interested in Mets as well. Both big market teams bring chance to win and he has roots in both cities. One thing: Cubs appear likely to stay in-house, Mets wide open. Also, clamoring for Joe G among Mets fans.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) October 5, 2019

One thing that would lead you to believe that the Cubs job isn't likely for the veteran skipper is because they want to stay in-house (read: David Ross and Will Venable). On top of that, it would cost a lot more to bring in Girardi then to hire a first-time manager.

Of course, if Girardi ends up having his pick, it shouldn't take long to decide. You go to the Cubs, period. He grew up in Peoria, went to school at Northwestern, was drafted by the Cubs and ended spending seven seasons with them as a player.

Girardi has always wanted the Cubs job so it wouldn’t surprise me. He’s from Chicago, grew up there, went to school there, it makes sense and wouldn’t reflect badly on the Mets at all if he wound up there.
— IsThisVelvet? (@JaffeJofer19) October 5, 2019

You also wonder why he'd want to manage again in New York. He has no affiliation with the Mets, who are far away from contention and have a steep hill to climb in the NL East. You get the big-city vibe in Chicago without having to deal with New York tabloid scrutiny, as well as a roster far closer to being able to compete.

Maybe the Mets have single best young gun in the league in Pete Alonso, but it's not like the Cubs don't have proven stars: Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant and Javier Baez make for a truly exciting core. Anyone should leap at the chance to lead them.

The Mets could use a proven winner like Girardi, but his managerial style doesn't fit there. No need to force the issue, as there are plenty of other good candidates, including a veteran skipper like Buck Showalter.

Just go back home if given the chance, Joe.