Craig Counsell is reportedly viewed as the leading candidate for the New York Mets managerial vacancy. 

The free agent managing star reportedly has interviewed for the position as the Mets close in on a replacement for veteran skipper Buck Showalter, who was fired at the beginning of October. 

The organization is close to announcing its new manager but it hinges on in-demand Counsell’s decision, according to the New York Post. 

Counsell has multiple teams interested in him after leading the Milwaukee Brewers to the playoffs in five of the last six years. 

And he is believed to have had his pick of the Cleveland Guardians, the Mets and a return to the Brewers.

The New York Mets are reportedly targeting Craig Counsell for their managerial vacancy 

The Mets are looking to replace Buck Showalter who was fired at the beginning of October

However, the Guardians appointed Stephen Vogt on Monday afternoon, despite Counsell meeting with them about their managerial opening on October 30, according to the Associated Press.

Counsell is reportedly leaning towards the Mets as he is said to be ‘serious’ about the franchise, according to The Post. 

He has a strong working relationship with Mets baseball president David Stearns, who was appointed in October after working alongside Counsell in Milwaukee. Meanwhile, Counsell and his wife Michelle reportedly love New York.

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Should New York fail in its bid to bring Counsell to the Big Apple, Stearns is said to have lined up two other potential candidates; Yankees bench coach Carlos Mendoza and A’s manager Mark Kotsay.

However, neither have experience in managing teams to the playoffs – something which Counsell has achieved in five of the past six years. 

Counsell’s contract with Milwaukee expired last week, but the Brewers are allowing him to look elsewhere while also hoping they can re-sign the coveted manager.

Brewers principal owner Mark Attanasio has said on multiple occasions the team wants Counsell back in 2024.

Yankees bench coach Carlos Mendoza is also believed to be a candidate for the position 

A’s manager Mark Kotsay is also being considered should the Mets not land Counsell

The Guardians have interviewed several candidates to replace Francona. Mariners bullpen coach Stephen Vogt was in Cleveland last week for his second interview with the club and is considered one of the leading candidates.

Milwaukee went 92-70 this season and won the NL Central title before getting swept by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the Wild Card Series.

Counsell took over as Milwaukee´s manager during the 2015 season after Ron Roenicke was fired. The Brewers had made a total of four playoff appearances before Counsell took over.

The longest-tenured manager in the National League, Counsell is 707-625 with the Brewers, giving him the club record for wins and games managed.