FILE – New York Yankees bench coach Carlos Mendoza watches the first inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres, Friday, May 26, 2023, in New York. The New York Mets are hiring Yankees bench coach Carlos Mendoza as their manager, according to a person familiar with the decision. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Monday, Nov. 6, because the move had not been announced. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)
The New York Mets officially announced the hiring of Carlos Mendoza as the 25th manager in franchise history and will hold his introductory press conference on Tuesday afternoon at Citi Field.
“We are excited to begin this new chapter of Mets baseball,” Mets owners Steve and Alex Cohen said in a statement. “Carlos brings a wealth of experience to the Mets that includes more than a decade managing and coaching in the minors as well as serving as bench coach the last four years with our cross-town rivals. Carlos is full of energy, passion and it was easy to see he’ll have a great rapport with both our veteran and young players.”
This will be the 43-year-old’s first-ever managerial job at the MLB level after spending the previous 15 seasons as a coach within the Yankees’ organization. He spent the past four years as bench coach under manager Aaron Boone.
“I couldn’t be more excited to manage this tremendous franchise,” Mendoza said. “I want Mets fans to know that I will pour every ounce of energy into this job and we share a common goal of bringing a championship to Queens. I’m proud to represent Venezuela and the Mets.”
David Stearns and Steve Cohen. (James Escher/Newsday via AP)
Mendoza’s hiring is the first major move executed by new president of baseball operations David Stearns, who took over last month after a nine-year stint with the Milwaukee Brewers as general manager and then as president of baseball operations.
While there was initial speculation that his former skipper in Milwaukee, Craig Counsell, would make the jump to Queens, the 53-year-old skipper opted to join the Chicago Cubs, making Mendoza the priority for the Mets.
“We promised an exhaustive search and we are thrilled to introduce Carlos as the next manager of the Mets,” Stearns said. “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.”
For more on the Mets and Carlos Mendoza, visit AMNY.com
