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Report: Ventura, Cora, Hale among candidates to replace Mets' Collins

Jason Miller / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The New York Mets have five games remaining in the 2017 campaign - likely the same amount Terry Collins has left as the team's manager.

With Collins' contract expiring and the Mets faltering to a 67-90 record so far this season after reaching the World Series in 2015 and the postseason in 2016, it's unlikely the 68-year-old will be asked to return.

With that in mind, the Mets are busy compiling a list of potential candidates to replace Collins, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post, whose sources tell him Robin Ventura, Alex Cora, Kevin Long, Bob Geren, and Chip Hale are all persons of interest.

Mets co-owner Fred Wilpon is expected to let Collins know the Mets won't be renewing his contract as early as Monday, according to Puma, even though Collins has let team brass know he's open to a return in 2018.

Ventura, a former third baseman who played with the Mets from 1999-2002, spent five seasons managing the Chicago White Sox and is viewed positively by the Wilpon family after making a strong impression in the clubhouse during his playing days with the organization, according to Puma's sources.

The 41-year-old Cora, also a former Met, is serving as bench coach with the Houston Astros, while Long is currently a hitting coach with the Mets.

Geren, the Dodgers bench coach - who also formerly filled the same position with the Mets - is well-regarded by general manager Sandy Alderson, according to Puma. Meanwhile, Hale, the former Arizona Diamondbacks skipper, was a finalist for the Mets' managerial position before the 2011 season.

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