Carlos Mendoza goes from the No. 2 in The Bronx to the highest guy in Flushing.
The Mets are hiring Mendoza to be their twenty fourth manager in franchise history, replacing Buck Showalter.
Mendoza, who turns 44 this November, is the primary major hiring or acquisition made by the Mets’ latest president of baseball operations David Stearns.
He last served because the Yankees bench coach under Aaron Boone, and shall be a first-time manager in 2024.
Here’s a have a look at the Mets’ latest skipper, who will make his regular-season managerial debut March 28 at Citi Field when the Mets host the Brewers.
Worked his way up within the Yankees’ system
Mendoza cut his teeth within the Yankees organization.
He served because the Yankees’ bench coach from 2020-23, moving into the position through the Yankees’ coaching shakeup following the 2019 season.
Mendoza also served because the franchise’s first major league quality control and infield coach from 2018-19.
Other jobs Mendoza held included: lower level field coordinator (2017) and infield coordinator (2013-17); Single-A Charleston manager (2012); GCL Yankees manager (2011); Single-A Charleston coach (2010); and Single-A Staten Island coach (2009).
He filled in for Aaron Boone
Mendoza received loads of on-site training for his latest role by serving as Boone’s right-hand man.
Boone infamously has been ejected plenty during his tenure as manager, and he received a one-game suspension on May 26, 2023 against the Padres.
Mendoza served because the team’s manager within the 5-1 loss and provided a transient look into how his managerial press conferences may play out this upcoming season.
He offered thoughtful answers through the press conference, keeping most of his answers to the purpose, but provided context for his opinions concerning the players.
Mendoza addressed how the sport plan for his managerial duties in comparison with what is predicted when Boone is guiding the team.
“We get together as a staff and we sort of talk through some scenarios,” Mendoza said. “At the tip of the day, when the sport starts, it’s us within the dugout making adjustments. You go in with plan A, B, C and D and it doesn’t necessarily work that way. You bought to observe the sport, the sport will dictate among the belongings you’re going to do, but you go in prepared with a game plan.”
Minor league baseball player
Mendoza spent 10 seasons within the minors but never reached the majors.
The Giants signed him as a non-drafted free agent in 1996, and he hung out of their system from 1997-2000 after which from 2002-03.
He missed the 2001 season as a result of injury.
After three seasons playing independent ball, Mendoza joined the Yankees’ farm system from 2006-09, reaching Triple-A in his final season in 2009.
The switch-hitting infielder hit .232 with 19 homers in his minor league profession.
Previous interviews
Mendoza interviewed this offseason for the Guardians managerial job, which went to Stephen Vogt.
He previously interviewed for the Red Sox and Tigers openings following the 2020 season, and in addition emerged as a candidate for the White Sox’s opening after last season.
International roots
Mendoza is a native of Barquisimeto, Venezuela, but now resides in Wesley Chapel, Fla.
He managed Cardenales de Lara of the Venezuelan Winter League each of the past two offseasons, and served because the team’s bench coach through the 2017-18 season.
Mendoza served because the bench coach for Team Venezuela within the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
