The Mets’ managerial search includes eight known candidates. Callback interviews could begin as soon as Monday if the Mets choose to go that route.

Here’s a look at the known eight contenders at this point:

Joe Girardi

Pros: He’s regarded as a top tactician and owns a World Series championship ring from his tenure with the Yankees. Girardi also understands the pressures of managing in New York and the media responsibilities that come with the job. Girardi is as prepared as any manager and will have credibility in the clubhouse based on his résumé and TV exposure from stints with Fox and MLB Network.

Cons: Girardi departed the Yankees two years ago surrounded by questions about his collaboration skills with the front office. And if there is one word general manager Brodie Van Wagenen has emphasized, it’s “collaborate,” as the Mets’ front office will be involved in all facets, including the lineup card and deciding various roles for players.

Carlos Beltran

Pros: Beyond the name recognition, Beltran has learned in a top organization over the past two years, serving as a special assistant in the Yankees’ front office. Beltran also has a solid relationship with Robinson Cano — a picture recently surfaced on social media of Beltran, Cano and Alex Rodriguez socializing together — and understands New York, after playing for the Mets and Yankees.

Cons: Beltran has never served as a coach and would likely need heavy schooling on game preparation. And though Beltran could handle the media responsibilities as a player, how will he respond to the daily grind of pregame and postgame questioning? Beltran departed the organization scorned, suggesting a potential fragile relationship between himself and the Wilpons.

Eduardo Perez

Pros: The ESPN analyst has the pedigree — his father Tony starred for the Big Red Machine in the 1970s and is enshrined in Cooperstown — and communication skills needed to succeed in the job. Perez has also served as a bench coach for the Astros and hitting coach for the Marlins, giving him some level of experience in the dugout. He would have instant credibility in the clubhouse, based on a 13-year playing career and his familiarity on TV.

Cons: Perez has been removed from a major league dugout for the past six years and would be viewed as something of a copycat hire — the Yankees dipped into the ESPN pool two years ago in hiring Aaron Boone to replace Girardi.

Luis Rojas

Pros: Another candidate with deep family roots in the game — his father Felipe Alou managed the Expos and Giants, and brother Moises Alou was an All-Star outfielder. Rojas has extensive experience managing in the Mets’ minor league system and knows many of the team’s current players through that experience, and his role last season as quality control coach. Rojas is also well-versed in analytics and has the respect of many in the clubhouse.

Cons: At just 38 years old, there is thought Rojas might benefit from additional experience at the major league level. A quiet, reserved type, there are also questions whether Rojas is ready for the media spotlight into which he would be thrust.

Mike Bell

Pros: He belongs to the third generation of baseball Bells — grandfather Gus, father Buddy and brother David all played in the major leagues. Buddy also managed three teams and David manages the Reds. Mike Bell is highly regarded as a potential A.J. Hinch-type after spending the past decade working in player development for the Diamondbacks.

Cons: Most of Bell’s experience has come in an administrative role, building the Diamondbacks’ farm system. As is the case with many other candidates for the job, do the Mets want to entrust a team with playoff aspirations to a first-timer?

Derek Shelton

Pros: He spent this past season as the bench coach for a Twins team that won 101 games. Shelton is described as a blend of “old school” and somebody deep into analytics who can relate to players.

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Tim Bogar

Pros: He’s got a lengthy coaching résumé and is familiar with New York from his tenure playing for the Mets in the 1990s. Bogar already has a good working relationship with assistant GM Allard Baird from their time together in Boston.

Cons: Though he has Mets roots, this is not a name that will excite the fanbase. Bogar, 53, is the oldest of the known candidates behind Girardi, but he lacks Girardi’s track record and hardly fits the up-and-comer mold.

Skip Schumaker

Pros: He has served a variety of roles for the Padres, from player development to special assistant to first base coach.



Cons: Schumaker was represented by CAA during the time Van Wagenen was co-head of the firm’s baseball division. Hiring Schumaker would send a bad signal.