Full Breakdown
Mets Dismiss Manager Carlos Mendoza Amid Season-Long Collapse
6/26/2026, 11:51:07 PM
Core Event: Firing and Interim Appointment
On June 26 2026, the New York Mets fired manager Carlos Mendoza after a 34-47 record and a six-game losing streak. Senior vice president of baseball development Andy Green was installed as interim manager for the remainder of the season.
Background & Context
Mendoza guided the Mets to an NL Championship Series in 2024, but the 2025 club collapsed after a 45-24 start, missing the playoffs. President David Stearns overhauled the roster, trading Brandon Nimmo, Jeff McNeil, Pete Alonso and Edwin Díaz, and adding Bo Bichette, Marcus Semien, Luis Robert Jr. and Freddy Peralta. Injuries to Juan Soto, Francisco Lindor and key pitchers further limited production.
Data & Statistics
The Mets sit 34-47, 13 games below .500, last in the NL East and 15 games behind the Braves. Payroll is reported between $358 million and $380 million, the league’s highest. Team ERA in June is 6.35 (worst in MLB); OPS is .675 (29th), batting average .231 (tied for fourth-worst). The club has scored 328 runs (second-fewest in the NL) and allowed 54 runs in the last six games.
Official Statements & Responses
Stearns praised Mendoza’s leadership and cultural impact while acknowledging underperformance and the need for change. Cohen thanked Mendoza for his integrity, reaffirmed the commitment to a championship-caliber team, and called the season a disappointment. Stearns later accepted responsibility and emphasized incremental, day-to-day improvements.
Criticism & Opposition
Fans on X questioned the firing, some demanding Stearns’ removal and blaming the front office for trading away veterans. MLB insider Jon Heyman argued Mendoza inherited an “impossible” roster and that injuries, not managerial decisions, drove the collapse. Mike Francesa called Cohen’s promises “empty” given the payroll.
On-the-Ground Reports
The Cubs swept the Mets in a four-game series, including a doubleheader where New York surrendered 20 runs and committed six errors. Over the six-game skid the Mets were outscored 54-22.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources list different payroll figures ($358 M, $329 M, $380 M) and vary on Mendoza’s cumulative record (206-199 vs 206-198). The club option year is cited as 2027 in some reports and 2026 in others.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Here is what Stearns said about the departure: “Carlos has led the organization with passion and grace and is beloved by everyone who works with him on a daily basis.” — David Stearns, President of Baseball Operations
- “I want to express my deepest gratitude to Carlos Mendoza for his leadership and unwavering commitment.” — Steve Cohen, Owner
- “I would like to thank Steve and Alex Cohen. They are tremendous owners who care deeply about their people, their families, and the entire organization. I am grateful for the opportunity they gave me to lead this team,” — Carlos Mendoza, Statement
- “Mendoza was put in an impossible position; the roster, to begin with, wasn’t good enough, and several injuries took place.” — Jon Heyman, MLB insider
What’s Next
The Mets will evaluate trade-deadline options for pitchers Freddy Peralta, Luke Weaver and others while Green manages the remainder of the season. Stearns confirmed a full managerial search will follow the campaign, and his own job security remains under discussion.
