Some involved with the New York Mets organization believe Toronto Blue Jays president and CEO Mark Shapiro is a potential fit to take over their front office, according to Andy Martino of SNY.
Shapiro downplayed rumors that he was looking to leave Toronto for the Mets, but there may be some incentives for him to think about a change. Martino noted that Shapiro is friends with Omar Minaya, a special assistant to the general manager. On top of that, Mark's father, Ron Shapiro (a veteran agent), is friends with Mets majority owner, Fred Wilpon.
Martino's report comes a week after Joel Sherman of the New York Post said that "multiple executives" saw Shapiro as a possible candidate for the Mets' job opening. GM Sandy Alderson stepped away as he continues to fight cancer, and he's not expected to resume his duties.
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Shapiro is under contract with the Blue Jays through the 2020 season, but Bob McCown of Sportsnet 590 reported that there was tension between Shapiro and his bosses at Rogers. Shapiro has been quiet on the matter, though Edward Rogers took to Twitter to voice his confidence in the front office.
The Blue Jays hired Shapiro to take over as president in 2015 for Paul Beeston, who retired after the season. He then brought on Cleveland Indians pal Ross Atkins to replace Alex Anthopolous as general manager. The latter rejected an extension and took a job with the Los Angeles Dodgers front office instead.
It'd be surprising if Shapiro decided to leave the Blue Jays now, given that the rebuild is just underway. Many of the top prospects he's acquired and helped develop are just beginning their professional careers.
But perhaps Shapiro is feeling the heat from his higher ups in Toronto. And maybe he wants to join an organization that he has close ties to. Shapiro won't say anything now if he's interested in joining the Mets, so we'll have to wait and see his move is in the offseason.