Sophia
NEW YORK, NY – The 2025 MLB season has been a rollercoaster for the New York Mets, yet they remain firmly in the hunt for a postseason berth. With a solid 71-61 record, they hold second place in the East Division, and FanGraphs pegs their playoff chances at a robust 94.9%. Amidst the swirling doubts and a recent slump, one question has persistently lingered: Is Carlos Mendoza truly the right leader for the Mets?
Mendoza’s Tenure: A Season of Highs and Lows
Venezuelan manager Carlos Mendoza arrived in November 2023, signing a pivotal three-year contract as the first major managerial gamble by President of Baseball Operations David Stearns. His debut season saw the Mets overcome a dismal 22-33 start to finish with an impressive 89-73 record, culminating in an appearance in the National League Championship Series. This achievement made him the first Mets skipper to reach the playoffs in his inaugural year, a testament to his immediate impact.
This year, however, presented new challenges. The team endured another losing streak, highlighted by a forgettable 9-19 May. Yet, Stearns has remained steadfast in his support. On The Show podcast, the executive emphatically stated, “Mendy is doing a great job. He’s talented, skilled and a great communicator. I enjoy working with him,” quashing any lingering doubts about Mendoza’s position.
Mendoza, reflecting on his experience, shared that his biggest learning curve has been “staying calm in tough times and maintaining communication with the team.” This calm demeanor has proven to be a crucial asset, particularly as the Mets navigate a high-pressure season finale.
Responding on the Field: Key Victories and Playoff Hopes
While the front office addressed rumors, Mendoza and his squad delivered on the diamond. The Mets secured two critical wins against the division-leading Philadelphia Phillies, significantly bolstering their playoff aspirations. These victories not only tightened the race but also reaffirmed Mendoza’s serene leadership as a vital component in the Mets’ push for October baseball.
A Historic First: Two Venezuelan Managers Face Off
Beyond the Mets’ playoff chase, Mendoza also etched his name into MLB history. He managed against Miguel Cairo, the interim manager of the Washington Nationals, marking the first time two Venezuelan strategists faced each other in a regular season Major League Baseball game. Mendoza described this groundbreaking event as a “privilege” and a profound source of pride for his home country.
Mendoza now stands as one of only a handful of Venezuelan managers in MLB history, joining the esteemed ranks of Ozzie Guillen and Al Pedrique. With the unwavering support of David Stearns and this significant historical milestone under his belt, Mendoza faces his ultimate challenge: guiding these Mets beyond just dreaming of the postseason and transforming them into a formidable force capable of deep October contention.
The Road Ahead for the Mets
The Mets are currently navigating a brutal schedule, and the pressure on Manager Carlos Mendoza is palpable as they battle for their postseason ticket. Key players like Francisco Lindor have bounced back from slumps, making history just in time to contribute to the team’s crucial stretch. However, the loss of a key player in this critical juncture presents another challenge for Mendoza and his team.
As the regular season winds down, all eyes will be on Mendoza to see if his calm leadership and strategic acumen can propel the New York Mets into and through the MLB playoffs, solidifying his legacy in Flushing.
