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Mets’ Mendoza Calls Himself Lame-Duck, Defends Coaches Amid Poor Season

4/29/2026

34 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Mendoza Declares Lame-Duck

Mendoza said April 28, 2026 he has not spoken with owner Steve Cohen or president David Stearns about his job and that his unexercised 2027 option makes him a lame-duck manager.
He cited injuries to Lindor, Polanco and Senga and the Mets' last-place runs, OPS and wRC+ as causes.
He noted that Alex Cora and Rob Thomson were fired and urged hitting while defending coaches Jeff Albert and Troy Snitker.

Summary

Beltrán Emerges

Carlos Beltrán emerges as the top replacement candidate and will see his No. 15 retired in September.
Andy Green, who managed the Padres (2016-19) to a 274-366 record, is also mentioned.
Bench coach Kai Correa and Carlos Beltrán are listed as possible interim managers if Mendoza is dismissed.
Owner Steve Cohen has final say on firing, while the Mets’ $380 million payroll, the league’s second-largest, raises scrutiny.

History

Historical Context

The Mets’ pattern of replacing managers after costly losing seasons dates back to 2004, when Art Howe was fired following a 71-91 record under owner Fred Wilpon. Since Steve Cohen acquired the franchise, the Mets have again posted losing seasons, leading to the 2026 consideration of dismissing Luis Mendoza. These cycles show ownership’s recurring response to disappointing results.

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Mendoza Declares Lame-Duck

Mendoza said April 28, 2026 he has not spoken with owner Steve Cohen or president David Stearns about his job and that his unexercised 2027 option makes him a lame-duck manager.
He cited injuries to Lindor, Polanco and Senga and the Mets' last-place runs, OPS and wRC+ as causes.
He noted that Alex Cora and Rob Thomson were fired and urged hitting while defending coaches Jeff Albert and Troy Snitker.

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