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New York Mets’ Slow Start: Carlos Mendoza’s Job Security Not in Jeopardy, Despite Struggles<\/strong><\/p>\n The New York Mets\u2019 2026 season has gotten off to a sluggish start, and the team’s poor finish to the previous year has only added to the concerns. With owner Steve Cohen’s massive payroll investment, expectations are high, and the performance so far has led many to question manager Carlos Mendoza\u2019s future with the team. However, according to reporting by Will Sammon of The Athletic<\/strong>, those concerns about Mendoza\u2019s job security may be premature.<\/p>\n Manager Mendoza\u2019s Role in Mets\u2019 Struggles<\/strong><\/p>\n Sammon highlights that most of the Mets\u2019 issues are not directly related to Mendoza. The team\u2019s offensive struggles \u2014 most notably an inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities and poor hitting performance \u2014 are beyond the manager\u2019s control.<\/strong> As Sammon puts it plainly, \u201cLet\u2019s lean into the absurdity of discussing a manager\u2019s job in the middle of April and say it plainly: I don\u2019t think Carlos Mendoza at this point is in danger of losing his job. And he shouldn\u2019t be.\u201d<\/p>\n Indeed, the manager can only do so much. Mendoza cannot physically swing the bat for his players<\/strong> or step up to the plate in critical situations, such as when runners are in scoring position \u2014 two significant problems currently plaguing the Mets\u2019 offense.<\/p>\n Solid Team Preparation and Effort<\/strong><\/p>\n Despite the team’s early struggles, the aspects of the game where a manager can have the most impact \u2014 team preparation and player buy-in \u2014 have been solid.<\/strong> Veteran outfielder Tommy Pham<\/strong>, who had previously been critical of the Mets’ work ethic in 2023, has praised the team\u2019s current approach. According to Pham, the players have been preparing well, showing commitment through early arrivals for extended batting practice sessions<\/strong> and demonstrating strong effort day in and day out.<\/p>\n Optimism from Owner Steve Cohen<\/strong><\/p>\n In the wake of a tough loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, owner Steve Cohen struck an optimistic tone<\/strong> about the team’s direction. Cohen pointed out \u201cgreen shoots\u201d in the offense, including positive contributions from key players like Francisco Lindor<\/strong> and Bo Bichette<\/strong>. Cohen also highlighted the progress of Juan Soto\u2019s running program<\/strong>, showing that even in the face of adversity, there are signs of improvement. Importantly, Cohen did not express any urgency to make a managerial change, which would signal confidence in Mendoza and his approach.<\/p>\n Mendoza\u2019s Personal Responsibility and Respect in the Clubhouse<\/strong><\/p>\n Carlos Mendoza has taken the early losses personally, which has garnered him respect from the Mets’ clubhouse.<\/strong> His ability to handle adversity and continue to show leadership in difficult times has earned the trust of his players. While the Mets have a largely new roster and coaching staff this season<\/strong>, Mendoza is still in the process of building the necessary cohesion and chemistry that could help the team find consistency as the season progresses.<\/p>\n Injuries and Offensive Struggles Plaguing the Mets<\/strong><\/p>\n The Mets\u2019 primary struggles this season have been offensive woes<\/strong>, compounded by injuries to key players like Juan Soto and Jorge Polanco.<\/strong> Soto, who is a major offensive weapon for the team, has yet to fully find his rhythm, and his absence due to injury has left a significant hole in the lineup. These injuries, along with the team\u2019s inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, have created a difficult environment for Mendoza and his staff.<\/p>\n Questionable Decisions Not the Core Issue<\/strong><\/p>\n Though there have been some questionable decisions by Mendoza<\/strong> regarding lineups and bullpen management, these decisions are not the primary reason for the team\u2019s slow start. The real issue lies in the team’s offensive struggles and injuries, which are out of the manager\u2019s control.<\/p>\n Patience from Front Office and David Stearns<\/strong><\/p>\n Mendoza has the support of David Stearns<\/strong>, the Mets’ president of baseball operations, who handpicked Mendoza as the team\u2019s manager. Stearns is known for his patience, having never fired a manager or coach mid-season during his time with the Mets or the Brewers. Stearns is committed to allowing Mendoza the time and space he needs to build a cohesive, competitive team.<\/strong><\/p>\n With only about 18 games played and more than 140 remaining<\/strong>, it is far too early to panic<\/strong>. The Mets have not even begun their divisional games, meaning there is still ample opportunity for the team to turn things around as the season progresses.<\/p>\n Looking Ahead: What\u2019s Next for the Mets?<\/strong><\/p>\n If the Mets continue to struggle by Memorial Day and are still near the bottom of the standings, the conversation around Mendoza\u2019s future could shift. However, as of now, Carlos Mendoza\u2019s job is not in immediate danger<\/strong>. The Mets simply need time to work through this early-season rough patch<\/strong> and find their rhythm.<\/p>\n In conclusion, the Mets\u2019 front office is showing patience, and the team\u2019s preparation remains solid despite early struggles.<\/strong> Mendoza\u2019s leadership, while being tested, remains secure for now. As long as the players continue to put in the effort and remain committed, and the injuries to key players like Soto heal, there is still hope for a turnaround. The 2026 season is still young, and there\u2019s plenty of time for the Mets to recover and meet their expectations for the season.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" New York Mets’ Slow Start: Carlos Mendoza’s Job Security Not in Jeopardy, Despite Struggles The New York Mets\u2019 2026 season has gotten off to a sluggish start,… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":177156,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-177153","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mlb"],"yoast_head":"\n<\/p>\n