Jun 6, 2021; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees bench coach Carlos Mendoza (64) reacts after being ejected during the tenth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Mets continued their downward spiral at the end of the season, and owner Steve Cohen opted to part ways with manager Luis Rojas.
The New York Mets had high hopes following a successful first half of the 2021 season, as they held first-place in the NL East since May. That all came crumbling down, as they now fell all the way to third in the division.
Mets owner Steve Cohen said once he purchased the team that he wanted them to emulate the Dodgers. Basically, he wants to see the Mets contend for the World Series.
Even with the Mets’ struggles, Joel Sherman of the New York Post once reported that manager Luis Rojas’ job was not in danger. So much for that. But who would Cohen bring in to help fulfill their championship aspirations?
Here are three strong candidates to become Mets manager.
3. Carlos Mendoza, Yankees bench coach
If the Mets want to look for a new manager, they should look across town to the New York Yankees. Specifically, at bench coach Carlos Mendoza.
Mendoza had been with the Yankees organization since 2011 before joining Aaron Boone’s coaching staff in 2018. He was part of Yankee teams that made the postseason in each of the past three seasons. Sure, they may not have reached the World Series, but they have made it to the ALDS at minimum.
Even though the Yankees did struggle prior to the trade deadline acquisitions of Anthony Rizzo and Joey Gallo, the success is there. Not to mention that he did interview for the Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers managerial vacancies this past offseason, so teams are interested in him.
If Cohen wants a guy who can turn the team into legitimate contenders, prying away someone from the Yankees coaching staff is not a bad strategy.