The New York Mets’ Struggles and the Question of Manager Carlos Mendoza
The New York Mets have found themselves in a deep slump, losing 11 straight games for the first time since 2004. This has left them with a 7-15 record on the season, raising questions about the future of manager Carlos Mendoza. Despite the team’s struggles, several players have come forward to support their leader, emphasizing that the responsibility lies with the players rather than the coaching staff.
Lindor Stands by Mendoza
Francisco Lindor, the struggling shortstop and de facto captain of the Mets, was one of the first to publicly back Mendoza after a recent loss. Following a 2-1 walk-off defeat at the hands of the Chicago Cubs, Lindor defended his manager, stating:
“He’s done a fantastic job,” Lindor said after the game. “This is not on him.”
He continued, “He has to make sure everyone here is prepared, every coach here is prepared. We have the information and it comes down on us. Mendy is our guy. He’s our leader. He’s in control and he’s done a tremendous job. We just haven’t executed.”
Lindor, who has struggled this season, has been hitting just .205/.293/.307 with a .600 OPS and only one home run and RBI. The 32-year-old underwent surgery to repair a broken hamate bone during spring training and has seen his role shift from the leadoff spot to the No. 3 hole in the lineup.
Williams Also Supports Mendoza
Closer Devin Williams, who blew the save in Sunday’s loss, also echoed Lindor’s sentiments. He emphasized that the blame should not fall on Mendoza, stating:
“It’s absolutely on us. He doesn’t swing a bat and he doesn’t throw a baseball. We’ve been in a lot of these games. It’s been close. Him or somebody else is not affecting that. If we’re not getting the job done, somebody else isn’t going to just magically flip a switch and we’re going to get it done. He’s putting guys in good positions. We’re not performing.”
Williams surrendered a 1-0 lead in the ninth inning against the Cubs. The game eventually went into extra innings, where the Cubs won on a walk-off sacrifice fly off Craig Kimbrel in the 10th. Williams, who started the season with five straight scoreless appearances, has allowed five runs in his last two outings (1.1 innings), causing his ERA to balloon to 7.11. He is replacing Edwin Diaz, who signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers in the offseason.
A Broader Context
While Mendoza is responsible for leading the club and preparing his players, the onus is ultimately on the players to perform on the field. However, the Mets’ performance under Mendoza has been concerning. After a league-best 45-24 start to the 2025 season, the team has gone 45-70 with Mendoza at the helm since mid-June of last year.
It’s still early in the season, and there is still time for the Mets to turn things around. However, if the team continues its downward spiral, it will be difficult to justify keeping Mendoza as the manager. The support from players like Lindor and Williams may provide some temporary relief, but sustained success will ultimately determine the fate of Mendoza’s tenure.
