In theory, being the general manager of a Major League Baseball team in the biggest market in the U.S. should be one of the most prized gigs in the world of sports. But that's apparently not the case for the New York Mets. Earlier this month, Sports Illustrated reported that 12 candidates approached by the team for the gig turned them down. New York Mets president Sandy Alderson blamed the drawn-out search not on the team's losing record or its controversial and outspoken owner Steve Cohen, but on New York City itself.

“Admittedly, there's a reluctance to come to New York, but I think it’s mostly about New York, and not about, you know, Steve or the organization or what have you," Alderson told reporters at a recent press conference. "It’s a big stage, and some people would just prefer to be elsewhere.”

The Mets have since landed a new general manager. But this same week, longtime pitcher Noah Syndergaard announced he is leaving the team for the LA Angels. So while New York sports fans may not like to hear it, New York Magazine contributing editor Will Leitch says Alderson may have a point. And it doesn't just apply to executives, but athletes themselves.

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