The Mets signed Mendoza, a first time manager, to a three-year deal with a club option for a fourth year. The team will hold a press conference to introduce him at Citi Field at noon E.T. on Tuesday.
“We are excited to begin this new chapter of Mets baseball,” Mets owners Steve and Alex Cohen said in a news release. “Carlos brings a wealth of experience to the Mets that includes more than a decade managing and coaching in the minors as well as serving as bench coach the last four years with our cross-town rivals. Carlos is full of energy, passion and it was easy to see he’ll have a great rapport with both our veteran and young players.
President of baseball operations David Stearns, who made the hire, also added a statement as well.
“We promised an exhaustive search and we are thrilled to introduce Carlos as the next manager of the Mets. Carlos has a brilliant baseball mind and a finely honed ability to collaborate with others. He comes with a fantastic reputation as a trusted leader and someone who has been beloved in every stop of his career. Carlos knows what it takes to lead, especially here in New York, and I am looking forward to partnering with him to bring sustained success to this franchise.
Mendoza included a statement once the move became official, too.
“I couldn’t be more excited to manage this tremendous franchise. I want Mets fans to know that I will pour every ounce of energy into this job and we share a common goal of bringing a championship to Queens. I’m proud to represent Venezuela and the Mets and I’m grateful Steve, Alex and David gave me this wonderful opportunity.
The Mets also interviewed Craig Counsell, who was deemed the favorite for the position, but he took a historic five-year, $40 million deal to manage the Chicago Cubs.
Mendoza was in the mix for the Cleveland Guardians job and interviewed for the San Francisco Giants’ vacancy.
Mendoza, 43, was Aaron Boone’s bench coach with the New York Yankees for the past four seasons. He had been a coach in the Yankees’ organization since 2009.
