Carlos Mendoza is going to be the new manager of the New York Mets, sources explain on Monday.
The 43-year-old Mendoza joins Queens after 15 years with the Yankees in a variety of capacities, including managing in the low minor leagues in 2011–12 and serving as Aaron Boone’s bench coach for the previous four seasons.
Craig Counsell, who decided to join the Chicago Cubs instead of the Brewers, had the Mets as one of his top suitors. After Counsell was cut, Mendoza, who had also interviewed for managerial positions with Cleveland and San Diego, was quickly signed by the Mets.
After more than ten years as a minor league player, Mendoza joined the Yankees as a coach and immediately made an impression on the team with his understanding of the game and ability to teach players. As Boone’s right-hand man when he joined the major league staff in 2018, he also played that position for Team Venezuela in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
He replaces Buck Showalter, who was let go following a season that began with hopes of winning the World Series but ended with a 75-87 record despite having the highest payroll in baseball history.
Along with returning a number of important players, such as shortstop Francisco Lindor, first baseman Pete Alonso, center fielder Brandon Nimmo, right-hander Kodai Senga, and closer Edwin Diaz, the Mets, who also have a new president of baseball operations in David Stearns, are anticipated to be active in free agency, pursuing star two-way player Shohei Ohtani among others.
The Mets chose to bring in Mendoza as a less-heralded addition rather than Showalter, who had made a big splash before the 2022 season. In interviews, he stood out, according to people.
Mendoza had previously interviewed for managerial positions in Boston (Alex Cora), Chicago (Pedro Grifol), and Detroit (A.J. Hinch). With the Mets, who are seeking their first championship since 1986, and with owner Steve Cohen planning to field one of the biggest payrolls in baseball for the foreseeable future, he winds up with arguably one of the best jobs in the major leagues.
Additionally, the position has recently had a limited shelf life. After two years, the previous three Mets managers—Mickey Callaway, Luis Rojas, and Showalter—were let go.
