Brian Cashman believed the Yankees could do better than Joe Girardi. And he knows the Mets could do worse.

Despite canning Girardi in 2017 after a 10-year tenure as Yankees manager — which included a World Series title — Cashman believes the former catcher may be the Mets’ best option in replacing Mickey Callaway.

“When you’re talking about somebody like Joe, he’d give you instant credibility,” Cashman told SNY. “He’s buttoned-up, ready to go and proven successful in the largest market you can find. And he came out on top.

“He was here for 10 years, and some things have an expiration date, but that doesn’t diminish the abilities the person possesses or the quality of work he provides. I highly recommend Joe to anybody, even our rivals, unfortunately.”

Cashman reiterated that Girardi’s lengthy tenure was the greatest factor in his removal. Girardi was fired after leading the team within one win of reaching the 2017 World Series.

“Because it was time,” Cashman said of the decision to replace Girardi with Aaron Boone. “It was tough. I just felt, after a decade, it was time to change some things up. Those are tough decisions to make. It’s something I’m responsible for and it’s not an easy decision, but, again, it doesn’t diminish what he did while he was here. There has been a lot of stuff out there, most of which isn’t even accurate, which I’m actually happy for. Let people speculate inaccurately.

“Joe is top-shelf. He’s passionate and prepared. He’s all-in and he’s collaborative. He’s connected from ownership to the front office to all aspects of the organization. He’s going to represent your franchise extremely well because he cares. He’s someone I’m proud I worked with, and proud I selected as our manager.”

Girardi interviewed with the Cubs on Wednesday and will do so with the Mets in coming days. Carlos Beltran, who works under Cashman in the Yankees front office, also will interview, along with Diamondbacks vice president of player development Mike Bell and Twins bench coach Derek Shelton.

Buck Showalter has been floated as a candidate for the Mets, though he has yet to be contacted by the franchise. Showalter is considered a top candidate for the Phillies job, which opened on Thursday when Gabe Kapler was fired.

“Buck and Joe are the highest-level candidates you can find,” Cashman said. “If you want to plug and play, those are the waters you’ve gotta fish in.

“Whoever inquires, I’m going to give people the truth, and I’m telling you the truth. I give Joe very high marks … He’s prepared. He’s lined up and prepared. The amount of detail and the process behind his pre-game prep is extraordinary.”