BREAKING: The New York Mets have confirmed that Carlos Mendoza will return as manager for the 2026 season, despite a season-ending collapse that saw the team miss the playoffs. President of baseball operations David Stearns announced this decision on Monday, emphasizing Mendoza’s potential and leadership qualities.
The Mets concluded their season on Sunday with a disheartening 4-0 loss to the Miami Marlins, a defeat that effectively dashed their playoff hopes. The Cincinnati Reds secured the final National League wild-card spot by winning the head-to-head tiebreaker, leaving both teams with a record of 83-79. This outcome is particularly shocking for the Mets, who entered the season with high expectations fueled by the second-highest payroll in Major League Baseball, including a record contract for star player Juan Soto.
Stearns voiced his disappointment regarding the season, stating, “This was a tremendously disappointing season. Not nearly good enough. We came into this year with, deservedly so, very high expectations and we didn’t come close to meeting them.” The team had a promising start, boasting the best record in the league on June 12, but faltered significantly thereafter, finishing with a dismal 38-55 record in the second half of the season.
As the Mets look ahead, Stearns confirmed the evaluation of the coaching staff will occur over the next week. He expressed confidence in Mendoza, saying, “I believe Carlos has all the same traits and assets that I believed [he had] when we hired him two years ago.” This reflects a commitment to continuity during a tumultuous period for the franchise.
The Mets’ failure to reach the postseason has led to widespread criticism from fans and analysts alike, labeling the season a $340 million disaster. Mendoza’s leadership will be crucial as the Mets aim to regroup and refocus for the upcoming season amidst the lingering disappointment.
Looking forward, the team’s direction will depend not just on Mendoza but also on the incoming changes to the coaching staff. Fans and analysts will be closely monitoring these developments as the Mets seek to restore their competitive edge.
Stay tuned for further updates on the Mets’ offseason moves and coaching changes as this story develops.
