Carlos Mendoza (Illustration by Joe Pantorno/amNewYork)
Carlos Mendoza as the new Mets’ manager isn’t the headline-stealing hire or acquisition that has become commonplace in the Steve Cohen era.
Coming away with Craig Counsell, the top managerial free-agent candidate, would have been such a move. But the 53-year-old former Brewers skipper turned down the Mets and an opportunity to reunite with president of baseball operations David Stearns to stay near his hometown of Milwaukee while getting $8 million per year from the Chicago Cubs.
Mendoza’s hiring immediately creates uncertainties that come with first-time managers. While the Mets restocked their farm system and have a group of youngsters ready to create a foundation for the franchise — whether that’s Francisco Alvarez or Ronny Mauricio, Brett Baty, Luisangel Acuna, Kevin Parada, Jett Williams, or Drew Gilbert — this is still a team that is expected to contend for the postseason with a veteran core that boasts the likes of Pete Alonso (for how long remains to be seen), Francisco Lindor, and Brandon Nimmo.
Historically speaking, rookie managers don’t win the World Series often. It’s only happened five times in the 120-year history of the Fall Classic — and this isn’t to say that the Mets are even considered legitimate contenders for a title in 2024. But Steve Cohen clearly wanted a veteran manager when he thought his team could challenge for a title two years ago. That’s why he brought in Buck Showalter.
Mendoza provides an opposite resume — the similarities between him and Showalter ending with having extended runs with the Yankees.
The 43-year-old new skipper spent 15 seasons as a coach within the Yankees organization, managing the Gulf Coast League Yankees in 2011 and the Single-A Charleston River Dogs a year later.
He possesses a strong defensive background, which will be important in helping develop youngsters like Mauricio at either second base, third base, or the…
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