Carlos Mendoza out as Mets manager
Fired Mets manager Carlos Mendoza looks on before a game against the Mariners on June 1, 2026 in Seattle, Wash. Credit: Getty Images/Steph Chambers
Desperate to save a season that’s completely failed to live up to expectations, the Mets played one of the last cards in their hand to start the second half and replaced Carlos Menzoza as manager on Friday morning.
Andy Green, the senior VP of baseball development, becomes the interim manager beginning with Friday night’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field.
After the club collapsed late in the 2025 season and missed the playoffs, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns ushered it through a major roster overall that saw a number of the team’s signature players traded or not re-signed in hopes to bring about change.
The team, despite owner Steve Cohen’s $380 million payroll, has underperformed almost from the very start and now stands in last place in the NL East at a season-worst 34-47. Thursday night’s extra inning loss to the Cubs was the Mets’ sixth straight defeat – the second major losing streak of the season – and leaves them 15 games behind Atlanta for the division lead and 9 ½ games out of the last NL wild card spot.
The Mets had a 12-game skid in April that plummeted them to the division’s basement and have only spent seven days in fourth place since.
“Carlos has led the organization with passion and grace and is beloved by everyone who works with him on a daily basis,” Stearns said in a statement announcing the move. “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.”
Mendoza’s was hired before the 2024 season, led the team into the postseason that year and was a finalist for NL Manager of the Year. He leaves with a record of 206-198
The Mets have played very poorly in this last stretch of games. They allowed 54 runs in the six consecutive defeats and have executed poorly in the field. After making six errors in the second game of a doubleheader sweep by the Cubs on Wednesday night, they made two more on Thursday.
“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," Mets owner Steve Cohen said in a statement. “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."
Green was manager of the San Diego Padres from 2016 through 2019 and compiled a record of 274-366. The club’s announcement of the managerial change said that Green will remain in the interim position for the remainder of the season.
Roger Rubin returned to Newsday in 2018 to write about high schools, colleges and baseball following 20 years at the Daily News. A Baseball Hall of Fame voter since 2011, he has covered 13 MLB postseasons and 14 NCAA Final Fours.
