The New York Mets are a franchise that has struggled to develop a sense of consistency in any area of the organization. From injury-prone stars to changes up top, the Mets have been in a constant state of turmoil for the better part of a decade.
The Mets took a major step toward assuring a change for the better by signing manager Terry Collins to a two-year contract extension, per Joel Sherman of the New York Post:
Collins is 224-260 in three years as the Mets’ manager.
With a very underwhelming roster, Collins has managed to keep the Mets above the 70-win mark in a deep NL East in each of his three seasons.
Collins will be under contract in 2014 and 2015 with a team option for the 2016 season. This is a rare example of New York displaying trust in a manager after going through four from 2002 to 2010.
Collins has been picked as a coach at two consecutive MLB All-Star Games, with Tony La Russa selecting him in 2012 and Bruce Bochy in 2013, showing he’s respected by his peers.
According to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York, star third baseman David Wright has been vocal about his desire to see Collins receive a contract extension:
It’s well-documented that there’s been probably a lot more talent on teams that are in our division. And I think he’s done a nice job keeping the young players motivated. And just, all in all, I think he deserves to be back. And then hopefully—with the money we have to spend and some of the trade opportunities—we’re a better team for him to manage.
It’s not hard to see why Wright is so supportive.
Working with one of the least impressive rosters in the National League, Collins led the Mets to a record of 41-40 on the road in 2013. That’s a major step in the right direction for a team with relatively young complementary pieces.
For the first time since Bobby Valentine was manager from 1996 to 2002, the Mets will have kept a skipper for more than three seasons.
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