Full Breakdown
Mets Dismiss Carlos Mendoza, Install Andy Green as Interim Manager
6/29/2026, 8:33:59 AM
Midseason Managerial Change
On June 26, 2026 the New York Mets announced the termination of manager Carlos Mendoza after a 34-47 start and a six-game losing streak that culminated in a four-game sweep by the Chicago Cubs. Veteran front-office executive Andy Green—formerly the club’s senior vice-president of player development and a former San Diego Padres manager—was named interim skipper for the remainder of the season.
Background & Context
Owner Steve Cohen purchased the franchise in 2020, promising a World Series within five years. In 2023 he hired David Stearns as president of baseball operations. Stearns appointed Mendoza before the 2024 season; Mendoza guided the Mets to the NLCS that year, his first as a major-league manager. The 2025 campaign began 45-24 but collapsed, leaving the team 38-55 and out of the postseason. In the 2026 offseason Stearns overhauled the roster, trading longtime core players Pete Alonso, Edwin Diaz, Brandon Nimmo, and Jeff McNeil, and signing Bo Bichette, Marcus Semien, Luis Robert Jr., Jorge Polanco, Freddy Peralta, Devin Williams, and Luke Weaver. Injuries to stars Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor further hampered the club.
Data & Statistics
- Record: 34-47 (81 games), 15 games behind NL East leader Atlanta Braves, 9½ games from the final wild-card spot.
- Offensive metrics: OPS .675 (29th), batting average .231 (last), runs per game 4.05 (24th).
- Pitching metrics: Team ERA 4.17 (16th), starting-rotation ERA 4.90 (3rd worst).
- Defensive lapses: six errors in the nightcap of the Cubs doubleheader; 15 runs allowed during a six-game skid.
- FanGraphs postseason probability: 5.2 %.
Official Statements & Responses
- David Stearns: “We were steadfast in our support for Carlos because we believed in Carlos… When that happens, at some point we’ve got to make a change… I take responsibility for that.”
- Steve Cohen: “I want to express my deepest gratitude to Carlos Mendoza for his leadership and unwavering commitment… Our commitment to bringing our fans a championship-caliber team has not changed. This season has been a disappointment.”
- Andy Green: “This felt like a responsibility more than an opportunity… It’s about freedom, not strategy.”
- Juan Soto (to Mendoza): “He helped me feel comfortable in the clubhouse after signing my contract.”
- Bo Bichette: “For whatever reason, we haven’t come together and found, I guess, what our identity is.”
Criticism & Opposition
Fans directed blame toward Stearns and the roster overhaul, with longtime supporter Robert Bonilla stating, “What’s going on right now is not Mendoza’s fault. You can put the blame on David Stearns for putting this crummy roster together.” Players echoed a shared responsibility: Francisco Lindor said, “We failed Mendy. I failed Mendy. It’s more on us, the players.” Analysts such as Jon Heyman and Sports Illustrated noted that Mendoza inherited a roster plagued by injuries and underperformance, making him a scapegoat for deeper organizational issues.
On-the-Ground Reports
During the Cubs sweep, fans chanted Pete Alonso’s name and expressed frustration at Citi Field. A team meeting held after the firing revealed visible disappointment from players, with Lindor describing the news as “hurtful” but acknowledging the front office’s decision.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Stearns’ future: some suggest he may step aside, while others report he retains Cohen’s support. No definitive plan for the upcoming trade deadline has been disclosed, leaving the extent of a potential sell-off uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We failed Mendy.” — Francisco Lindor, shortstop
- “I take responsibility for that.” — 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
- “Getty Images “This felt like a responsibility more than an opportunity.” — Andy Green, interim manager
- “I’m sorry I couldn’t bring a championship to Queens.” — Carlos Mendoza, statement to the press
What’s Next
Green will manage the Mets through the final 81 games before returning to his player-development role; a full managerial search is slated for the offseason. Stearns faces scrutiny as the trade deadline approaches, with right-hander Freddy Peralta and recently traded pitcher David Peterson identified as possible trade assets. The organization must decide whether to pursue a partial rebuild or continue the push for a postseason berth despite the slim odds.
