Mets Hire Carlos Mendoza as Next Manager

Associated Press

Nov 13, 2023, 01:09 PM ET

NEW YORK — The New York Mets have officially announced the hiring of Carlos Mendoza as their new manager. Mendoza, 43, has signed a three-year contract and will be tasked with leading the team’s turnaround following a disappointing 2023 season.

Mendoza will be introduced to the media and fans on Tuesday at Citi Field. His contract also includes a team option for the 2027 season.

In a statement released by the Mets, team owner Steve Cohen and his wife Alex expressed their confidence in Mendoza’s abilities. “Carlos brings a wealth of experience to the Mets, including more than a decade of managing and coaching in the minors, as well as serving as the bench coach for our cross-town rivals over the past four years,” they said. “We believe Carlos’s energy, passion, and ability to connect with both veteran and young players will be instrumental in our success.”

Mendoza joins the Mets after spending the last four seasons as the bench coach for the New York Yankees under Aaron Boone. He replaces Buck Showalter, who was fired by the Mets on the final day of the 2023 season after two years as manager.

In his statement, Mendoza expressed his dedication to the Mets and their fans. “I want Mets fans to know that I will give my all to this job, and together, we share the common goal of bringing a championship to Queens,” he said.

Mendoza, a native of Venezuela, becomes the second Venezuelan-born manager in Major League Baseball, following Ozzie Guillén. Guillén managed the Chicago White Sox from 2004 to 2011 and the Miami Marlins in 2012. Mendoza also served as Venezuela’s bench coach during this year’s World Baseball Classic.

The hiring of Mendoza marks the first major move by the Mets under the leadership of president of baseball operations David Stearns, who was hired last month. Stearns praised Mendoza’s baseball knowledge and leadership qualities, stating, “Carlos has a brilliant baseball mind and a finely honed ability to collaborate with others. He comes with a fantastic reputation as a trusted leader and someone who has been beloved in every stop of his career. Carlos knows what it takes to lead, especially here in New York, and I am looking forward to partnering with him to bring sustained success to this franchise.”