When the New York Mets 2025 season came to an end, there were questions surrounding the future of manager Carlos Mendoza. After looking like a team that was bound for the MLB playoffs, the Mets went 21-32 over the last two months of the season and finished on the outside looking in.
He survived the chopping block from the front office and is back for 2026. However, he is entering the season on the hot seat, according to Dayn Perry of CBS Sports. It really shouldn’t be surprising that he is listed as being on the hot seat.
New York Mets Carlos Mendoza Listed as Hot Seat Manager Entering the 2026 Season
If there is a lame-duck coach entering the season next week, it’s Mendoza. His contract has an option for 2027. That is less than an ideal situation for a coach entering a new season after a collapse like New York had over the final two months of last season.
“Mendoza is probably the manager most at risk going into the 2026 season. His contract includes an option for 2027, which means it’s not guaranteed beyond the upcoming season. Most essentially, Mendoza and Mets are coming off a deeply disappointing 2025 campaign in which they finished just four games above .500 and went 21-32 from Aug. 1 onward to tumble out of playoff position,” wrote Perry.
On top of entering the season off of last season’s collapse, Mendoza is dealing with a new-look roster. Gone are first baseman Pete Alonso and closer Edwin Diaz. Aloso signed with the Baltimore Orioles, and Diaz signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Mets signed Bo Bichette from the Toronto Blue Jays, and acquired pitcher Freddy Peralta from the Milwaukee Brewers and second baseman Marcus Semien. They also signed Devin Williams from the rival New York Yankees.
Carlos Mendoza Can’t Afford a Slow New York Mets Start to the 2026 Season
Despite the changes this offseason, the Mets are expected to contend this season. However, things could get interesting in the National League East. The Philadelphia Phillies are a team that isn’t getting any younger. Ronald Acuña Jr. is back for the Atlanta Braves and the Miami Marlins, a big question mark after trading pitchers Edward Cabrera and Ryan Weathers.
“Speculation about Mendoza’s status — and even the status of lead exec David Stearns — ensued. Mendoza survived that collapse, but he’s very much on notice at the outset in 2026. The hiring of Kai Correa, who briefly served as Giants‘ interim manager in 2023, as the new bench coach means a ready-made replacement is already on staff. All signs point to “danger” for Mendoza,” Perry added.
The first month of the season is going to be huge for Mendoza and the Mets. After the fade over the last two months of last season, there is very little room for error. The early portion of the schedule includes two trips out West in the first three weeks. That’s not a great recipe for success. The second trip is against the Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs on the way back to New York. They close April with a nine-game homestand. A lot of questions will be answered early on.
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