Buck Showalter was popular within the Mets clubhouse and within the Mets fan base.

As a manager, he was baseball-savvy enough to earn a reputation as a detail-oriented and game-knowledgeable savant — and media-savvy enough to present himself as relatable and lovable. He was seen by many as a baseball genius; he was seen by more as folksy and down-home Uncle Buck.

For baseball reasons and for reasons of goodwill, the easy decision would have been to retain Showalter as manager.

Showalter had a year left on his contract. He could have been brought back for what might have been a final season ready to produce results quickly or to serve as a lame duck, presumably until he served as a scapegoat.