David Stearns and the New York Mets have hired Carlos Mendoza as the team’s next manager, per Jon Heyman and Joel Sherman of the New York Post.
Mets are hiring Carlos Mendoza @Joelsherman1 and I report
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 6, 2023
New York Mets Hire Carlos Mendoza
Mendoza will replace Hall of Fame caliber Buck Showalter, who lasted just two seasons in Queens. The 43-year-old Mendoza spent 15 years with the New York Yankees, including the past four seasons as bench coach under Aaron Boone. While he lacks managerial experience in the majors, Mendoza managed in the Yankees’ farm system from 2009 to 2012.
After his minor league managing days, Mendoza worked with the Bombers as a quality control and infield coach and a roving defensive instructor. His previous experience includes managing in the Arizona Fall League and Venezuelan Winter League. Mendoza also spent 10 years as a player in the minor leagues before starting his coaching career.
Carlos Mendoza enjoyed the respect of people across the Yankees organization, in the clubhouse especially. Players really respected his abilities as a teacher and his overall outlook on the game and his approach to it
— Erik Boland (@eboland11) November 6, 2023
The Venezuelan became a hot name in the past few weeks in regards to the several managerial openings around the league. He interviewed for several openings last year and reportedly impressed in many interviews this year. The Mets will hire Mendoza after reports indicated that he was a serious candidate for managerial roles in San Francisco, Cleveland, and San Diego, among others.
Many viewed former Brewers manager as the front runner for the Mets job due to his connection with Stearns. However, Andy Martino of SNY reported late last week that Mendoza was a serious candidate for the Mets.
"[Carlos] Mendoza is a strong candidate for this job. His interviews have gone well, he has an excellent reputation from his time as Aaron Boone's bench coach."@martinonyc discuses what he's hearing as the #Mets are nearing a conclusion on their managerial search pic.twitter.com/6DeMDL10vm
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) November 2, 2023
New York can be a tough market for new managers. Mendoza will face immense pressure immediately due to high expectations among Mets fans. Plus, many viewed Counsell as the only managerial candidate that had experience worthy of replacing Showalter. In such a tough market, Mendoza must prove that he is equipped for the job.
The Mets manager job has been a revolving door after Terry Collins retired following the 2017 season. The three managers post-Collins, Mickey Callaway, Luis Rojas and Showalter, lasted only two seasons. That does not even include Carlos Beltran’s tenure that did not even last a full winter.
Main Photo Credits: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
