Mets’ general manager search is about to get real

Jeff WilponFor a second straight October, the Mets face a significant decision to shape the franchise’s future.

The team’s search for a general manager — or head of baseball operations — is officially underway as COO Jeff Wilpon and assistant GM John Ricco begin contacting candidates this week to fill the seat vacated by Sandy Alderson, who stepped aside in June to battle a recurrence of cancer.

Last October, the search was for a manager to replace Terry Collins. After interviewing six candidates, the organization selected Mickey Callaway for the position.

But that search may pale in comparison to the undertaking ahead, as team officials try to decide on an ideology that fits — old school, new…