The New York Mets announced Friday morning that they have relieved manager Carlos Mendoza of his duties, ending his tenure at the helm following a 34-47 start to the 2026 season. Andy Green, the organization's vice president of player development, has been appointed as the interim manager.
The Mets hired Mendoza from the New York Yankees prior to the 2024 season. In his first year in Queens, Mendoza led the team to an unforgettable midseason turnaround and a run to game six of the National League Championship Series.
Since then, the Mets suffered a horrible collapse in 2025 after once being 20 games above the .500 mark and missed out on the postseason. A similar fate appears to lie ahead for the team in 2026.
While the Mets $329 million roster has not nearly performed to preseason expectations, the team's success at some point always falls on the manager.
Mendoza shared a classy message to the Mets organization and fans following his departure. He praised the work of Mets' CEO Steve Cohen and thanked him for the opportunity to lead the team.
He extended his gratitude to David Stearns for his support and partnership over the past three seasons.
He continued by thanking everyone within and around the Mets organization, with a special highlight for the fans. In his message, Mendoza stated, "Your energy, loyalty, and unwavering support made it an honor to wear the Mets uniform and represent this organization. I'm sorry I couldn't bring a championship to Queens."
While most of his team in New York has been frustrating to say the least, Mendoza showed nothing but commitment to his team in any situation.
Mendoza ends his tenure as the Mets manager with a record of 206-199, a single postseason appearance and a third place finish in Manager of the Year voting in 2024.
Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The Mets enter Friday with 81 games behind them, and 81 games in front of them. They sit 13 games under the .500 mark and will attempt to replicate their magical 2024 season turnaround.
A managerial change tends to bring out the worst or best in teams.
For example, the Philadelphia Phillies completely turned around their season following the firing of Rob Thomson, going 36-17 under new manager Don Mattingly.
But the Boston Red Sox have gone 23-29 since relieving Alex Cora of his duties.
The Mets begin this new chapter under Andy Green on Friday night against the Phillies.
New York's president of baseball operations David Stearns will hold a press conference at 3 p.m. on Friday to address the changes.
