Full Breakdown
Mets Dismiss Manager Carlos Mendoza Amid Season Collapse
6/29/2026, 5:55:13 AM
The Decision: Firing of Carlos Mendoza
On Friday, June 28, 2026, the New York Mets announced the dismissal of manager Carlos Mendoza after a 34-47 record through 81 games. The move came amid a six-game losing streak that left the club 9½ games out of the National League third wild-card spot and 15 games behind the division-leading Atlanta Braves.
Background: Recent Seasons and Roster Overhaul
Mendoza guided the Mets to the NL Championship Series in 2024, but the 2025 campaign collapsed after a 45-24 start, ending at 83-79 and missing the playoffs. In the 2026 offseason, President of Baseball Operations David Stearns overhauled the roster, trading away Brandon Nimmo, Jeff McNeil, Pete Alonso and Edwin Díaz while adding players such as Marcus Semien, Bo Bichette, Luis Robert Jr., and Freddy Peralta. The extensive changes have not translated into success, with the team posting the worst ERA in the majors (6.35) in June.
Key Figures & Groups
- Carlos Mendoza – Fired manager, 206-199 record over 2½ seasons.
- Andy Green – Senior VP of Player Development, named interim manager.
- David Stearns – President of Baseball Operations, architect of the roster overhaul.
- Steve Cohen – Owner, publicly defended the organization’s championship ambitions.
- Don Mattingly – Philadelphia Phillies bench coach, commented on the Mets’ internal turmoil.
Performance Data
- Record: 34-47 (81 games), 6-game losing streak.
- Offense: 29th in OPS (.675), 26th in batting average (.231), 24th in runs per game (4.05).
- Pitching: Team ERA 6.35 (worst in MLB), 4.17 ERA (16th overall).
- Injuries: Juan Soto (calf), Francisco Lindor (calf), Jorge Polanco (Achilles), Marcus Semien (hip flexor).
- Post-season odds: 5.2 % according to FanGraphs.
Official Statements & Responses
David Stearns said the organization “is falling short and change is necessary to move forward.” Steve Cohen expressed that the season “has been a disappointment” but affirmed the club’s continued commitment to building a championship-caliber team. Mendoza issued a personal statement thanking the Cohens, staff, and fans, emphasizing gratitude and confidence in the Mets’ future.
Criticism & Opposition
Media commentary has sharply criticized Stearns, labeling him “the architect of baseball’s Titanic” and asserting that “there is nobody left to blame for this mess but himself.” The New York Post, Wall Street Journal, and Daily News argue that Stearns’ roster overhaul failed to address core deficiencies and that his continued tenure is “an extension of a status quo that clearly isn’t working.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “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, New York Mets
- “I want to express my deepest gratitude to Carlos Mendoza for his leadership and unwavering commitment. He represented this organization with integrity and dedication throughout, and I wish him and his family all the best,” — Steve Cohen, Owner, New York Mets
- “I leave with tremendous gratitude, pride in what we accomplished together, and confidence that the future of this organization is bright.” — Carlos Mendoza, Former Manager, New York Mets
- “It's embarrassing,” — Carlos Mendoza, after a six-error loss to the Chicago Cubs
- “We don't know what's been going on over there, and we've got enough stuff to deal with ourselves,” — Don Mattingly, Bench Coach, Philadelphia Phillies
- “I think we're going to continue to give this team time to prove that we can get back in this in a very legitimate sense,” — David Stearns, President of Baseball Operations, New York Mets
Why It Matters
The firing underscores the Mets’ dwindling playoff hopes and intensifies scrutiny of the upcoming trade-deadline decisions. With the highest payroll in baseball and a roster that has underperformed across offense and pitching, the organization faces pressure to either rebuild or make bold acquisitions to salvage the season.
What’s Next
Andy Green will manage the final 81 games while the front office evaluates trade-deadline options, including potential moves involving Freddy Peralta, Luke Weaver, A.J. Minter, and injured left-hander Clay Holmes. After the season, the Mets will conduct a full managerial search to replace Green, aiming to reset the franchise’s trajectory for 2027.
