The New York Mets have fired manager Carlos Mendoza, the team announced Thursday, following a dismal season that has seen the club fall 13 games below .500. The decision comes amid a six-game losing streak and with the Mets holding baseball's largest payroll, nearly $330 million.
Mendoza, who guided the team to a National League Championship Series in his first year as manager in 2024, was relieved of his duties after the Mets were swept in a four-game series by the Chicago Cubs. The team has been outscored 58-22 during their current losing streak and sits at 34-47, on pace for fewer than 70 wins for the first time since 2003.
Since June 13 of the previous year, the Mets have a record of 72-102. A significant 12-game losing streak in April has been a major factor in the team's struggles this season. President of Baseball Operations David Stearns attempted to overhaul the roster in the offseason after the team suffered a collapse to miss the postseason on the final day of the last season. The team let Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz depart in free agency, traded Jeff McNeil and Brandon Nimmo, and acquired Jorge Polanco, Luis Robert, Bo Bichette, Devin Williams, and Luke Weaver. However, Polanco has played sparingly since April 14, Robert since April 26, and Bichette is having a career-worst full season. Williams has struggled with a 4.44 ERA, though Luke Weaver has been a bright spot with a 2.12 ERA.
Mets' offensive struggles are evident, with the team ranking second-worst in the league in OPS at .675. Their starting pitchers' 4.90 ERA is the third-worst mark in baseball, and they have committed the third-most errors despite an offseason focus on "run prevention."
David Stearns acknowledged the team's shortcomings, stating in a release, "Carlos has led the organization with passion and grace and is beloved by everyone who works with him on a daily basis. Carlos’ impact on our players, staff, and culture over the last three seasons has been transformative. Unfortunately, we know we are falling short and change is necessary to move forward."
Owner Steve Cohen expressed his gratitude to Mendoza, saying, "I want to express my deepest gratitude to Carlos Mendoza for his leadership and unwavering commitment. He represented this organization with integrity and dedication throughout, and I wish him and his family all the best. Our commitment to bringing our fans a championship-caliber team has not changed. There is no sugar coating it: this season has been a disappointment and our fans deserve better than what we’ve delivered."
Fans have expressed frustration, with chants for former player Pete Alonso heard during a recent game. Wednesday's game also saw the Mets commit six errors, marking the first time since 1962 that every infielder had made an error in a game.
Former San Diego Padres manager Andy Green, who had been working in the Mets' front office, will take over as interim manager.