Mets Introduce Carlos Mendoza as Newest Manager
After striking out on Craig Counsel who opted to manage the Chicago Cubs, the Mets pivoted and wound up hiring former Yankees bench coach Carlos Mendoza as its next manager.
Mendoza who has spent a better part of the last 14 seasons in the New York Yankees system, with the last five as bench coach at the major league level, Mendoza becomes the 24th full time manager in Mets history.
The Mets are hoping that Mendoza breaks a string of late where Mets managers last only two seasons on the job. Since Terry Collins retired at the end of the 2017 season, the last three managers the Mets have hired were let go after two seasons, including Buck Showalter.
On Tuesday the Mets introduced Mendoza before the New York media.
“Carlos has those communication skills. He has the leadership ability, and I am excited I get to partner with him with the New York Mets, ” President of Baseball Operations David Stearns said.
Carlos Meets the Media
Commanding a strong presence at the podium, and bursting with energy, Mendoza thanked his family for their love and support over the years, before laying out his vision for the Mets moving forward.
“When I first started the process, and David called me, we started to get to know each other really well. I asked them a lot of questions. When they spoke about culture, people, relationships and preparation, I felt a connection right away
“I understand the city of New York. I have been here for six years, and I know how passionate this fanbase is, and the expectations they have here. I understand and I am ready for this challenge. This is a great opportunity for not only me, but the New York Mets.”
Mendoza credited the previous administration with building a foundation of success in 2022 when the team won 101 games, and that his job is the add to it.
“My goal is to add to that culture,” he added.
Winning championships
“I will surround myself with people who bring energy, and will hold each other accountable. We want to have fun, this is a hard game. I am looking forward to it.”
