New York Mets fire manager Carlos Mendoza after six-game losing streak

The struggling New York Mets have dismissed manager Carlos Mendoza, appointing Andy Green as interim manager, as the team languishes with a disappointing 34-47 record at the season’s midpoint.

Owner Steve Cohen‘s significant investment, including baseball’s highest payroll at baseball’s highest payroll at $358 million and being projected to pay an additional $124 million in luxury tax, has failed to translate into success for a franchise without a World Series title since 1986.

Cohen stated, “Our commitment to bringing our fans a championship-caliber team has not changed. There is no sugar-coating it: This season has been a disappointment and our fans deserve better than what we’ve delivered.”

A six-game losing streak has left New York 15 games behind NL East leaders Atlanta and 9 1/2 games out of the final wild-card spot. Compounding their woes, key players like Francisco Lindor, Marcus Semien, Luis Robert Jr., Clay Holmes, and Jorge Polanco have faced injuries. The team recently traded pitcher David Peterson and may now pivot towards a selloff and future retooling.

Mendoza, who joined the Mets after the 2023 season following 15 seasons with the Yankees, leaves with a 206-199 record. The team failed to reach the playoffs last year and has been one of baseball’s biggest disappointments this season, including a 12-game losing streak in April, their longest since 2002.

President of baseball operations David Stearns, who hired Mendoza and orchestrated significant roster changes including signing Juan Soto and trading Pete Alonso and Brandon Nimmo, acknowledged the difficult decision.

“Carlos has led the organization with passion and grace and is beloved by everyone who works with him on a daily basis,” Stearns said. “Carlos’ impact on our players, staff, and culture over the last three seasons has been transformative. Unfortunately, we know we are falling short and change is necessary to move forward.”

Andy Green, a former major league infielder, joined the Mets in 2023 as senior vice president of baseball development. He previously managed the San Diego Padres from 2016-19, compiling a 274-366 record with sub-.500 finishes in all four seasons.

Green, who played four games for the Mets in 2009, becomes the fourth manager under Cohen’s ownership, following Luis Rojas, Buck Showalter, and Mendoza.

Mendoza’s dismissal marks the third managerial change in MLB since the season began, following Alex Cora in Boston and Rob Thomson in Philadelphia.