The New York Mets experienced a shocking collapse during the 2023 MLB season, leading to extensive discussions among fans about potential changes within the organization. However, the Mets' president of baseball operations has clarified that a managerial change will not occur. Carlos Mendoza will return as the team's manager for the 2026 season, as confirmed in a recent media meeting by MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo. The evaluation of the remaining coaching staff will take place over the next week, ensuring that all aspects of the organization are scrutinized following this tumultuous season.
Carlos Mendoza, age 45, has been at the helm of the Mets for the past two seasons. His third year, set to begin in 2026, will see Mendoza under a guaranteed contract, with the Mets holding a club option for the 2027 season. Under his leadership, the Mets achieved a commendable 89-73 record in 2024, reaching the NLCS before ultimately losing to the Dodgers. However, the 2023 season was a different story, as the team finished with an 83-79 record, narrowly missing out on the playoffs.
At first glance, an 83-79 record might not seem catastrophic. However, the stakes were particularly high for the Mets this year. The organization made waves in the offseason by signing Juan Soto to a record-breaking free agent deal, raising the team’s payroll to an impressive $340 million. The Mets began the season strongly, tying with the Cubs for the best record in the National League at 37-22 as of June 1. Unfortunately, their performance took a downturn, finishing with a disheartening 46-57 record thereafter, resembling a struggling 72-90 Angels team that ended up last in the American League West.
The months of August and September proved particularly challenging for the Mets. They managed to win only 21 of their last 53 games, achieving a mere .396 winning percentage. This downturn was surprising given that the Mets' offense was one of the most potent in baseball during that stretch. From August 1 until the end of the season, Mets hitters led the major leagues in runs scored, ranking second in home runs and third in batting average. Their collective 126 wRC+ indicated that their offensive output was 26% better than the league average.
Despite their offensive prowess, the Mets faced significant challenges on the pitching front. The team’s rotation and bullpen struggled to maintain consistency. Notably, Kodai Senga never regained his pre-injury form after a hamstring strain disrupted what could have been a stellar season. Additionally, veterans Frankie Montas and Sean Manaea faced their own hurdles, with Montas undergoing UCL surgery after a series of disappointing starts, and Manaea battling an oblique strain.
Furthermore, Tylor Megill required Tommy John surgery earlier this month, while Griffin Canning’s season ended prematurely due to a ruptured Achilles tendon in June. Instead of making a significant upgrade at the trade deadline, the Mets opted to rely on their farm system, promoting top prospect Nolan McLean, who performed impressively. Late-season call-ups for Jonah Tong and Brandon Sproat, however, yielded mixed results.
The Mets' rotation struggled significantly after the trade deadline, posting a 5.65 ERA, one of the worst in the league. Efforts to enhance the bullpen fell short, with Tyler Rogers performing excellently, while Ryan Helsley faced difficulties during his time in Queens, and Gregory Soto was only serviceable. As the organization reflects on the 2023 season, all eyes will be on how they address these issues moving forward, especially with Mendoza returning as manager in 2026.
In conclusion, the Mets' 2023 season was filled with highs and lows, from the excitement of star signings to the disappointments of missed playoff opportunities. As they look ahead, the focus will be on bolstering their pitching staff and ensuring that the lessons learned from this season translate into future success.
