The New York Mets have announced the hiring of Carlos Mendoza as their new manager.
The 43-year-old Mendoza will be taking the helm for the Mets after a respectable four-year stint as the bench coach for the crosstown rival New York Yankees.
Mendoza’s arrival comes at a critical juncture for the Mets, who are coming off arguably their most disappointing season in franchise history.
Their horrific 2023 season saw them finish with a 75-87 record which led to the dismissal of manager Buck Showalter.
Mendoza will become the 24th manager in Mets franchise history.
Welcome to the Mets, Carlos Mendoza! 🗽 pic.twitter.com/lF23VcbCOP
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) November 6, 2023
The appointment of Mendoza comes as a surprise to many, especially considering the widespread speculation that the team was on the verge of striking a deal with outgoing Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell.
However, Counsell made a stunning move of his own, opting to sign with the Chicago Cubs and replace now-ex-manager David Ross.
Mendoza’s lack of experience as a major league manager, save for filling in during Yankees manager Aaron Boone’s ejections, adds another layer of intrigue to the Mets decision.
The Venezuelan-born Mendoza has a long-standing association with the Yankees organization, having started his coaching career in their farm system shortly after retiring as a player in 2009.
His expertise lies predominantly in coaching infielders and focusing on defensive strategies.
Despite his limited managerial experience at the highest level, Mendoza’s potential has not gone unnoticed by baseball insiders.
Yankees GM Brian Cashman spoke highly of Mendoza’s abilities, stating: “His day is coming without a doubt. He is going to manage a major league team, and I think he’s gonna be really good at it,” Cashman said in March 2021.
“What do you think of the #Mets hiring Carlos Mendoza?”pic.twitter.com/39NvcdWdiY
— J-Rod (@TrainFAL) November 7, 2023
What is your take on the surprising hire?
Should the Mets have just kept Buck Showalter???