Mets announce hiring of Carlos Mendoza as manager
The Mets have officially announced the hiring of Carlos Mendoza as manager.
Mendoza, who received a three-year contract with a club option for a fourth year, will be introduced on Tuesday at Citi Field at 12 p.m.
"We are excited to begin this new chapter of Mets baseball," Mets owners Steve and Alex Cohen said in a news release. "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."
Said David Stearns:
"We promised an exhaustive search and we are thrilled to introduce Carlos as the next manager of the Mets. 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."
Said Mendoza:
"I couldn’t be more excited to manage this tremendous franchise. 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 and I’m grateful Steve, Alex and David gave me this wonderful opportunity."
In addition to Mendoza, the Mets interviewed Craig Counsell — whom some viewed as a favorite due to his connection to Stearns and had interest in A's manager Mark Kotsay.
Once the Mets decided to hire Mendoza, the initial belief was that Counsell would return to the Brewers, but he went to the Cubs instead on a deal worth $40 million over five years, per multiple reports. With Chicago, Counsell will replace David Ross, who was under contract and set to enter his fifth season as manager.
As far as Mendoza, he was in the mix for the Guardians' job before landing with the Mets, per Martino, but Cleveland hired Stephen Vogt on Monday.
Mendoza also interviewed with the Giants before that job went to Bob Melvin, and drew interest from the Padres for the job left vacant by Melvin.
The Yankees' bench coach for the last four seasons, the 43-year-old Mendoza worked as an infield coach and also managed in the Bombers' minor league system from 2009 to 2012 before becoming a roving defensive instructor.
