The New York Mets have dismissed manager Carlos Mendoza, the team announced Thursday, ending his tenure after a single season at the helm. The decision comes after the Mets finished the 2026 campaign with a 74-88 record, failing to meet expectations for a club with one of the highest payrolls in Major League Baseball.
Team President Cites Need for New Direction
Team president David Stearns said in a statement that the organization believes a change in leadership is necessary to move forward. “After careful evaluation of our performance this season, we have decided to make a managerial change,” Stearns said. “We thank Carlos for his hard work and dedication, but we feel that a new voice is needed to guide this team toward our goal of sustained success.”
Mendoza, 46, was hired in November 2025 after serving as bench coach for the New York Yankees. He was tasked with leading a Mets roster that included stars like Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso, but the team struggled with consistency, particularly on the mound, where the bullpen posted a 4.68 ERA, second-worst in the National League.
Disappointing Season Despite High Hopes
The Mets entered 2026 with optimism after a busy offseason that saw them acquire several high-priced free agents. However, injuries to key players, including ace pitcher Kodai Senga, who missed three months with a shoulder strain, derailed their plans. The team never climbed above .500 after April and finished fourth in the NL East, 16 games behind the division-winning Atlanta Braves.
According to sources within the organization, owner Steve Cohen was particularly frustrated with the team’s inability to execute fundamental plays, leading to a league-high 112 errors. “We have too much talent to be making that many mistakes,” one team official said on condition of anonymity.
Mendoza's Tenure Marked by Challenges
Mendoza, a first-time manager, faced scrutiny from the start, with some questioning his in-game decision-making. He defended his approach throughout the season, telling reporters in August, “I believe in our process, and we are working hard to turn things around. But ultimately, results matter, and we haven’t gotten them.”
His firing makes him the third Mets manager to be dismissed in the last five years, following Mickey Callaway and Luis Rojas. The team will now begin a search for a new manager, with former San Francisco Giants skipper Gabe Kapler and current bench coach Eric Chavez among early candidates, according to MLB Network.
Looking Ahead
The Mets are expected to be aggressive in the offseason, with Cohen’s deep pockets and a core of young players like shortstop Francisco Lindor and outfielder Brandon Nimmo. Stearns said the team will prioritize finding a manager who can “maximize our talent and instill a winning culture.”
“We are committed to bringing a championship to New York, and we believe the right manager is a critical part of that,” Stearns added. The search is expected to be thorough, with interviews beginning next week.
