Sources – Mets hiring Yankees coach Carlos Mendoza as manager

In a surprising move, the New York Mets have appointed Carlos Mendoza as their new manager, according to insider sources at ESPN.

Carlos Mendoza, 43, brings his extensive experience from the Yankees organization to Queens, where he spent 15 years handling various roles. This includes a stint as a manager in the low minor leagues from 2011 to 2012, as well as serving as Aaron Boone’s bench coach for the past four seasons.

Initially, the Mets were interested in Craig Counsell but lost out to the Chicago Cubs. Acting swiftly, they secured Carlos Mendoza, who had also interviewed for managerial positions with Cleveland and San Diego.

Carlos Mendoza made a remarkable transition from being a minor league player for over a decade to becoming a knowledgeable and influential coach for the Yankees. Notably, he impressed the organization with his expertise and ability to mentor players. Furthermore, he served as Team Venezuela’s right-hand man in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. This ultimately led to his promotion as a major league coach in 2018.

Carlos Mendoza takes charge from Buck Showalter, who was dismissed after a disappointing season that fell short of the team’s World Series aspirations, despite boasting the highest payroll in sports history. Despite this setback, the Mets retain several key players, including Francisco Lindor, Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo, Kodai Senga, and Edwin Diaz. They also have a new president of baseball operations in David Stearns and are actively pursuing top free agent Shohei Ohtani.

In a strategic shift, the Mets opted for a less high-profile selection in Carlos Mendoza, despite his impressive interviews, as sources confirm. Mendoza had previously interviewed for managerial positions in Detroit, Boston, and Chicago. Notably, he is taking on one of the most esteemed roles in Major League Baseball, as the Mets strive to achieve their first championship since 1986, supported by owner Steve Cohen’s commitment to maintaining high payrolls.

However, it’s worth noting that recent Mets managers, including Buck Showalter, Luis Rojas, and Mickey Callaway, have had relatively short tenures, with their dismissals occurring after just two years.