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Former Yankees Coach Carlos Mendoza Takes The Helm As New York Mets Announce Their Next Manager

Published 11/13/2023, 12:35 PM EST

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The Big Apple is a pot of mixed feelings tonight. As Queens celebrates, the Bronx mourns. The New York Yankees and the New York Mets had equally terrible seasons despite being among the top three salaried teams. With fan wrath directed at the front office, the offseason was time for major shakeups and the Mets have done it by hiring Carlos Mendoza. The cherry on top for some is that he previously used to work for the Yankees. But not anymore.

Although Aaron Boone will come back for the last year of his contract in 2024, Buck Showalter was offered no such courtesy. The Mets fired him on October 2nd and his successor has finally been found from the Yankees’ dugout.

Carlos Mendoza Ready to Bring Championship to Queens After No Luck in Bronx

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With a three-year, $45 million contract, the Venezuelan has been appointed the latest manager of the New York Mets. The club will formally introduce Carlos Mendoza at Citi Field on Tuesday at 12 p.m. The former bench coach of the Yankees was overwhelmed at the news, proud to represent his country and looking forward to a possible World Series.

“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,” Mendoza told SNY. “I’m proud to represent Venezuela and the Mets and I’m grateful Steve, Alex and David gave me this wonderful opportunity.”

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The baseball veteran previously worked for the Yankees in different capacities for almost 15 years, the latest being second-in-command to Aaron Boone. But eager for a position change in recent years, Mendoza had been interviewing with different teams for a managerial role. The Mets’ first option had reportedly been Craig Counsell, formerly Milwaukee’s but now shockingly Chicago’s. When Counsell was snatched up, the New York club quickly looked to other viable options. As fans now know, they found the perfect choice in their cross-town AL rivals.

With six managers in seven seasons, it’s hoped that Carlos Mendoza will be the man for the job. Perhaps even a Fall Classic title to boot? While the Bronx has not made an appearance in 14 years, the Amazin’ Mets last won all the way back in 1986.

New York Mets Ready to End World Series Drought

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When the Wilpon-Katz family was selling the team in 2020, Alex Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez made a wild pledge to a World Series ring in the next ten years if they acquired ownership. Ultimately the New York Mets fell under Steve Cohen, who made no such promises but wanted the club to prosper.

The Mets’ last World Series appearance was almost a decade ago in 2015, with Terry Collins serving as the longest-tenured manager. Buck Showalter may have won the NL Manager of the Year award in 2022 as a huge favorite. But he has never seen a Fall Classic victory in his career as a skipper.

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Can Carlos Mendoza change the Mets’ fate with a fresh perspective?

WATCH THIS STORY – Mets Gear Up for Yamamoto Showdown Going All-In Amidst Intense Yankees Pursuit

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Written by:

Arunima Bhanot

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Arunima Bhanot is a senior MLB writer at EssentiallySports. Her tryst with MLB was accidental, but what followed was nothing short of a pursuit of excellence. Having penned over 1,000 articles, Arunima has also covered the 2023 World Baseball Classic and the 2023 All-Star Game.
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Edited by:

Arunima Bhanot