New York Mets owner Steve Cohen described the decision to fire manager Carlos Mendoza as a "mercy shot," stating that the team and Mendoza would benefit from a change given the circumstances.
Mendoza was dismissed on Friday, with the Mets holding a 34-47 record and having recently been swept at home by the Chicago Cubs in a four-game series. Cohen discussed the move on the latest episode of The Post's "The Show" podcast.
"I think it came down to one simple question: Were we going to extend Carlos or not? And if the answer was no, then in my discussions with [President of Baseball Operations] David [Stearns], we both agreed, at this time, give him a break," Cohen explained. He added that the manager faced constant media scrutiny, which would be difficult if his future with the team was uncertain.
Cohen also cited the team's performance, noting games with multiple errors. "Frankly, I watched that game where we had six errors and the next day we had two errors, and the club just wasn't playing well," he said. David Stearns will remain in his role.
Andy Green has been appointed as the interim manager.
Mendoza's tenure began in 2024, leading the Mets to an NLCS appearance in his first year after an 89-73 regular season. The team finished last year at 83-79 and missed the playoffs. Since the start of the 2025 season, the Mets have accumulated a 119-129 record. Cohen acknowledged that managerial changes are a common part of the sport. "I don't know too many managers that are in that role forever, and that's just part of the gig, and sometimes you have to make a change," he stated.