MLB rumors: Yankees losing Brian Cashman’s right-hand man to Mets?

When the Mets conduct a general manager search after the season, a Yankees executive could be a major candidate.

The Mets are at a crossroads–both in the short-term and long-term.

In the moment, Sandy Alderson’s absence leaves a front office void of one decision maker with true final say and clout. Considering the importance and future impact of how the Mets go about business at the upcoming MLB trade deadline, it should be a major concern in Flushing.

Moving forward, replacing Alderson and naming a full-time general manager is an even bigger decision for ownership.

Despite franchise issues and the current roster, plenty of suitors will line up to try to win over the Mets brass and take the job. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com compiled a prospective list of names to watch. Among the possible future Mets general manager candidates: Yankees executive Tim Naehring.

One of Brian Cashman’s most trusted lieutenants, Naehring has developed a reputation as one of the best talent evaluators in the game. The former Red Sox infielder would join Jerry Dipoto as the only former big league players in a GM position, though it remains to be seen whether Naehring would even be interested in leaving the Bronx after spending more than a decade working for Cashman.

Naehring first joined the Yankees as a scout in 2007. In 2015, the former big league third baseman was promoted to Vice President of Baseball Operations. Last year, Cashman praised Naehring’s ability to see and evaluate talent.

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“He’s a tremendous evaluator of talent,” Cashman said. “To be able to evaluate, it’s a special talent. All teams have a population of people doing it, but he’s in that select few who are really good at it.”

Joe Giglio may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.