No big splash for Mets, but here's what they're getting with new manager Carlos Mendoza
Before Buck Showalter had walked out of Citi Field for the last time as Mets manager on Oct. 1, following a sudden unexpected and final pregame press conference, the vision had already shifted toward the midwest.
With the Mets getting their wish in harkening David Stearns back to his home in New York from Milwaukee, the hope was that their new president of baseball operations could coax Craig Counsell away from his home and toward the east coast.
On Monday afternoon, the Mets found that objective would not be realized. Instead, they and Stearns reportedly decided they would be hiring Yankees bench coach Carlos Mendoza as their 24th manager in franchise history.
Counsell, meanwhile, headed a little south, but still remained in the midwest where his family of six resides. He moved from Milwaukee to Chicago, where he will manage the Cubs.
The hiring of the 43-year-old Mendoza presents a stark contrast to the candidacy of Counsell and the experience of Showalter.
CARLOS MENDOZA: 3 things to know about next Mets manager
After his 13-year playing career in the minor and independent leagues ended, Mendoza immediately went into coaching in the Yankees organization. He served as manager in the Gulf Coast League and for Class A Charleston before assuming the role as Yankees infield coach beginning in 2017.
Over the past four seasons, he has served as Aaron Boone's right-hand man as the team's bench coach.
Mendoza's managing in Major League Baseball has been limited to standing in following more than two dozen ejections and a handful of suspensions.
The 53-year-old Counsell, meanwhile, has managed more than 1,300 games since taking charge of the Brewers in 2015 following the firing of Ron Roenicke. He helped the Brewers to five postseason appearances and a pair of NL Central Division crowns across his nine seasons.
But Counsell opted to stay close to home, signing a record five-year, $40 million deal to go to the Brewers' NL Central rivals. The Mets needed to act quickly with a cascading of signings, including the Guardians also grabbing Stephen Vogt as their new leading man. Mendoza had already interviewed with the Padres, who are looking to fill the void of Bob Melvin. Openings with the Angels and now the Cubs also loom.
Instead, the Mets have their third first-time manager in the last seven seasons.
When Stearns took over his new position, he discussed his decision regarding the managerial opening as building a "true partnership." Now Stearns and Mendoza will have the opportunity to learn within the Mets organization together, while both possess a strong knowledge of the New York market.
While there is a sense of unknown as Mendoza takes the reins of the Mets, he has been lauded as affable, with the ability to teach at all levels. It could be useful as the Mets embark on a youth movement that was jump-started during last season's trade deadline.
A lack of experience should not be mistaken for a lack of ability. Some of the most recent examples of that logic can be found on the biggest stage over recent years.
Phillies manager Rob Thomson spent nearly a decade as bench coach for the Yankees and Phillies before taking over after Joe Girardi's firing in 2022. Thomson helped lead a massive second-half turnaround and run to the World Series that season. His Phillies also made it back to the National League Championship Series this season, eliminating the Braves along the way.
With a massive payroll and willing spender in owner Steve Cohen, the expectations will be high for Mendoza as he looks to lead a major league team for the first time.
In recent memory, the Mets have not been able to find the right newcomer to lead the charge. Stearns' first major decision leading the franchise comes with high stakes, and it will have to be judged on the field.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Here's what Carlos Mendoza hiring means for NY Mets in 2024
