Carlos Mendoza is going from the No. 2 in The Bronx to the top guy in Flushing.
The Mets are hiring Mendoza to be their 24th manager in franchise history, replacing Buck Showalter.
Mendoza, who turns 44 this November, is the first major hiring or acquisition made by the Mets’ new president of baseball operations David Stearns.
He last served as the Yankees bench coach under Aaron Boone, and will be a first-time manager in 2024.
Here’s a look at the Mets’ new skipper, who will make his regular-season managerial debut March 28 at Citi Field when the Mets host the Brewers.
Worked his way up in the Yankees’ system
Mendoza cut his teeth in the Yankees organization.
He served as the Yankees’ bench coach from 2020-23, moving into the position during the Yankees’ coaching shakeup following the 2019 season.
Mendoza also served as 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 plenty of on-site training for his new 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 as the team’s manager in the 5-1 loss and provided a brief look into how his managerial press conferences may play out this upcoming season.
He offered thoughtful answers during the press conference, keeping most of his answers to the point, but provided context for his opinions about the players.
Mendoza addressed how the game plan for his managerial duties compared to what is expected when Boone is guiding the team.
“We get together as a staff and we kind of talk through some scenarios,” Mendoza said. “At the end of the day, when the game starts, it’s us in the dugout making adjustments. You go in with plan A, B, C and D and it doesn’t necessarily work that way. You got to watch the game, the game will dictate some of the things you’re going to do, but you go in prepared with a game plan.”
Minor league baseball player
Mendoza spent 10 seasons in the minors but never reached the majors.
The Giants signed him as a non-drafted free agent in 1996, and he spent time in their system from 1997-2000 and then from 2002-03.
He missed the 2001 season due to 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 career.
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 also 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 as the team’s bench coach during the 2017-18 season.
Mendoza served as the bench coach for Team Venezuela in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
