New York Mets GM Sandy Alderson To Take Leave Of Absence As Cancer Recurs

Mets manager Sandy Alderson announced on Tuesday that he would be taking a leave of absence after finding out that his cancer had recurred.

Alderson, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2015, had a successful surgery in May of 2016. During the said announcement, Alderson added that the recurrence of his cancer was detected earlier last month. The revered Mets manager is undergoing treatment and he will go through another surgery later this year.

"The prognosis is actually good. But in the meantime, the chemotherapy, the surgery all take their toll," an emotional Alderson explained at the press conference.

More than two years ago, Alderson collapsed at a press conference after announcing the contract extension of manager Terry Collins. He also missed the Winter meetings due to cancer-related surgeries the year after.

During Alderson's tenure, the Mets finished with a 582-628 win-loss record but were unable to win at least 77 games in five of his seven years with the team. Nonetheless, the team made it to the playoffs two times including an incredible 2015 World Series appearance.

Alderson, who took over the managerial position of the Mets in 2010, added that he is unlikely to return to his position in the near future citing health and performance issues. Prior to joining the Mets, Alderson also performed managerial duties for the Oakland Athletics and the San Diego Padres.

With the absence of Alderson, assistants John Ricco, Omar Minaya and J.P. Ricciardi are expected to work together and do the general manager duties for the Mets. Both Ricciardi and Minaya have already managed a team before in the majors.

However, baseball experts believe that Ricco will likely be named as the full-time general manager of the Mets in 2018. Ricco who joined the Mets in 2004 also served as a general manager for the team in a brief period of time in 2010.

Will The Mets Recover?

The Mets failed to impress this season with a dismal record of 31-45, the second-worst in the National League. The Mets who are currently riding a seven-game losing skid has a 4-18 record this month.

The Mets ended their losing streak on Tuesday following a 4-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates to improve to 32-45 in the season. The team hopes to continue its winning ways when they take on the Pirates on Wednesday before closing out June with a visit to Florida to take on the Miami Marlins.