Mets Have Set Themselves up Perfectly to Pursue AJ Hinch as Manager Next Offseason

The New York Mets were dealt an unfortunate predicament (some might say by their own woeful due diligence) when newly-promoted manager Carlos Beltran stepped down in the fallout of his supposed role in the Houston Astros' sign-stealing scandal.

Well, on Wednesday, roughly two weeks after The Athletic's bombshell report, the Amazins tabbed young Luis Rojas as their new skipper.

Does the club view Rojas, who was originally hired as the team's quality control coach, as the long-term answer at manager? Who knows? If things work out for the well-liked skipper, fantastic. Problem solved.

But if they don't, Rojas is an easy target to be shifted once again internally, reassigned to another position. If that were to happen, the Mets could easily pursue the suspended AJ Hinch.

The cards certainly add up, and Hinch's bromance with general manager Brodie Van Wagenen is perhaps the most compelling variable that applies sturdy legs to this rumor.

Pair that with the fact that first-year managers almost always endure growing pains, and you'll be even more convinced that BWV could easily plot a move for Hinch behind the scenes, pending overwhelming success in Year 1.

Hinch has also been linked with the Metropolitans in the past, albeit via trade.

You really can't help but connect the dots here.

Of course, nothing can be confirmed at this stage, but don't be surprised if Hinch's name surfaces out of the shadows during a potential (or inevitable) Mets skid in 2020.