Texas Rangers hitting coach Clint Hurdle is set to interview for a second time next week in Orlando with the New York Mets brass. The Mets are Hurdle’s top choice but the Pirates are currently making a big play to bring Hurdle on board.
According to industry sources, the Pirates and Clint Hurdle are discussing a three year deal to be their next manager with a salary believed to be worth close to $1 million per season.
It is believed that Hurdle is leaning towards accepting the deal and the Pirates could have a new manager in place by early next week. The framework of the deal though is not finalized.
Ken Rosenthal of Foxsports.com reported earlier today that the Pirates have intensified their efforts to land Hurdle. Rosenthal reports the Pirates efforts won’t speed up New York’s interview process.
Hurdle is reportedly one of three legitimate” candidates in the mix for the Mets position. Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated reported that Hurdle’s interview went extremely well with New York but Terry Collins is still regarded as the favorite for the job.