Since June 13, 2025, the New York Mets have been on a dreadful 98 loss pace. The club’s record since that date, which includes their brutal 7-14 start to the 2026 season, is 45-69. And yet, the Mets will not pull the plug on their manager, Carlos Mendoza.
Why Mets Won’t Fire Carlos Mendoza Despite Brutal Start
Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
When Francisco Lindor grounded into a game-ending double play last year versus the Miami Marlins in game 162 to officially eliminate the Mets from postseason contention, Mendoza’s time on the hot seat had officially begun. Time was ticking, and it’s still ticking — with every loss.
Now in his third year as Mets manager, Mendoza‘s spotlight is only shining brighter. That’s not just because it’s his third year at the helm. It’s not just because the Mets have high expectations after they slowly decomposed and embarrassed themselves by missing the postseason. Rather, it’s mostly because the Mets either fired, or lost nearly every coach from the 2025 team. Two of which, left to the rival Atlanta Braves (Jeremy Hefner and Antoan Richardson).
This is year three for Mendoza, and it’s also year three for president of baseball operations David Stearns. Mendoza is Stearns’ handpicked guy, and 21 games in to the new season is not enough for the POBO to fire the manager. A bad start to a season is not a true byproduct of how the team really is, or what they are made of. It doesn’t truly encapsulate how things may play out come October.
“I think Mendy’s doing a very good job,” Stearns said ahead of a three game series against the Chicago Cubs. “I think Mendy is putting players in position to succeed and we need to go out and play better.”
Not Getting Fired?
Steans doesn’t want to fire Mendoza, why would he? This is Stearns’ “guy,” and firing his guy would paint a bad image on Stearns. That’s not to say he won’t fire him — just not now — not through 21 games.
With their loss today against the Cubs, the Mets losing streak grew to double digits. Their 10 losses marks the first time the Mets have lost this many in a row since 2004.
“We need to play better and I think we will.”I’m confident we will, “Stearns said.
The Mets can be as confident as they want, but actually producing and winning games is what matters at the end of the day.
Less Talking, More Winning
CREDIT: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
During this 10-game stretch, the Mets have been outscored 60-18 and have the worst record in baseball through 21 games, at 7-14. The offense has been the main culprit for this horror show, averaging a feeble 1.8 runs per game during this stretch. They have been shutout three separate times.
“We haven’t been able to play a compete game,” Mendoza said following the team’s 4-2 loss to the Cubs on Saturday, another poor offensive showing. “It’s either the offense [struggling] [or] the starting pitching [struggling], not making the play, not getting the big hit; just having a hard time playing a complete game.”
Mendoza is right. Nothing is clicking, not even a little bit. The pitching hasn’t been exactly stellar either, and the mental lapses are even more concerning. These are the coaches and players jobs — to win. And right now, their is zero winning in sight.
“They have all the right to be pissed and frustrated. They care, just like we do,” Mendoza said in his message to Mets fans. “We care here, we want to win as much as they do. So much I could say here, but we have to go out there and [win]. I understand how they’re feeling. I’d be pissed too if I’m a fan. I’m pissed. [The players] are pissed.”
The Last Word
The bottom line is despite missing the postseason in 2025, despite having the worst record in baseball through 21 games, despite being on a 10-game losing streak, Carlos Mendoza will still wake up tomorrow as Mets manager. But, the first fire this year, if there will be any, will undoubtedly be Mendoza.
(Top Image Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)
