MLB Rumors: Nationals' Tim Bogar a 'Strong Contender' for Mets Manager Job

Washington Nationals first-base coach Tim Bogar is reportedly a "strong contender" for the New York Mets' vacant managerial role.

According to SNY's Andy Martino on Friday, Bogar has interviewed well and is considered to be among the finalists for the job.

Martino noted that New York Yankees adviser Carlos Beltran, ESPN analyst Eduardo Perez, Minnesota Twins bench coach Derek Shelton and Mets quality control coach Luis Rojas are also still in the running.

Per Martino, Mets executives Omar Minaya and Allard Baird are among Beltran's "allies," while Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen has a "strong connection" with Perez.

Last week, Martino reported Beltran was set to receive a second interview with the Mets and was considered a strong candidate because of his history with the team and some of its decision-makers.

Beltran is also deeply ingrained in New York City, as he spent seven seasons with the Mets and three with the Yankees as a player. He also interviewed for the Yankees' manager position last offseason before getting hired as an adviser to general manager Brian Cashman.

Bogar may not be considered as much of a New York guy as Beltran, but he spent his first four MLB seasons as a player with the Mets. In 297 games as a utility man for the Mets, Bogar hit .242 with six home runs and 57 RBI.

The 52-year-old Bogar has extensive managerial experience in the minor leagues and was named Manager of the Year at the Rookie, low Class-A and Double-A levels.

Bogar first began coaching in the majors in 2008 and has been part of the Tampa Bay Rays, Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers, Seattle Mariners and Nats. Bogar even spent 2015 as a special assistant to then-Los Angeles Angels general manager Jerry Dipoto.

He was also the Rangers' interim manager in 2014 following the resignation of Ron Washington, going 14-8 in 22 games.

Given his experience across so many different teams and roles over the past decade, Bogar is perhaps the most qualified candidate remaining in the hunt for the Mets' manager job.