Add Chicago White Sox coach Joe McEwing to the list of possible managerial candidates for the New York Mets.

The contract of current Mets manager Terry Collins expires after the season, and general manager Sandy Alderson said recently there is no “clarity” on Collins’ status.

Assuming Collins does not return, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports one option could be McEwing, who was a fan favorite when he played for the Mets from 2000 to 2004. The 44-year-old McEwing has spent the last six seasons in the White Sox organization and was promoted to bench coach this season.

McEwing managed at Single-A Winston-Salem and Triple-A Charlotte in the White Sox organization and was rumored to be a candidate for some past major league openings.

Puma last week listed Robin Ventura, Alex Cora, Kevin Long, Chip Hale and Bob Geren as other “early persons of interest by the organization.”

- Doug Mittler