Why Mets named Andy Green full-time manager in surprise decision

The Mets have a new manager, but he's not very new.

New York announced Tuesday that interim manager Andy Green has agreed to a deal to become the team's full-time manager, signing for a reported three years.

Green replaced Carlos Mendoza in the managerial role in June and has overseen better play from a high-priced Mets roster, though they are still a game below .500 since the change was made.

Here's what you need to know about the Mets' decision to hire Green full-time.

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Why the Mets named Andy Green manager

All indications before Tuesday's announcement were that Green intended to return to the Mets' front office, where he served as senior vice president of player development.

Asked about Green's candidacy for the full-time managerial job earlier this season, Mets owner Steve Cohen told reporters, "I’m going to take him at face value. He told us he wants to go back to the front office. We are going to do a managerial search. If it turns out he wants to put his hat into the ring, that would be great."

That's the simple explanation: the Mets were always interested in elevating Green to the full-time role after they got the chance to see him in action, and Green changed his mind.

According to The Athletic's Will Sammon, players pushed for Green to become the full-time manager.

"Asked a couple Mets veterans recently what they wanted in a manager," Sammon said. "They offered the same one-word answer before adding more: 'Andy.'"

There were a lot of people within the Mets hoping Green would be the full-time manager. That includes players. Asked a couple Mets veterans recently what they wanted in a manager. Funny, in different conversations they offered the same one-word answer before adding more: "Andy." https://t.co/7Nf0nTNnB4

With Green having both managerial and front office experience, plus young players such as Carson Benge and Nolan McLean playing better once he took over, the Mets opted for continuity despite a tumultuous season.

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Andy Green managerial record

Green previously spent four seasons as manager of the Padres, though he never won more than 71 games with limited expectations in San Diego. The 49-year-old still has a chance to pull off his first winning season if the Mets can finish strong, albeit only a half-season with Carlos Mendoza leading the team until late June.