Carlos Mendoza’s first season as the manager of the New York Mets has been nothing short of extraordinary. Against all odds, he guided the team to the National League Championship Series (NLCS), becoming only the seventh manager in the franchise’s 62-year history to reach this milestone. Mendoza’s success is particularly notable as he did it in his debut managerial season, overcoming intense criticism and doubts from both fans and experts.
The Mets’ journey to the NLCS wasn’t smooth. Early in the season, they were 11 games below .500, and critics were quick to call for drastic changes, suggesting that the team offload players and rebuild for the future. Frustrations boiled over when a player publicly described the Mets as the worst team in MLB, casting a shadow over the clubhouse morale.
Mendoza, however, stayed focused amid the turmoil. Rather than letting the negativity affect his approach, he used it as fuel to inspire a dramatic turnaround. His steady leadership and ability to rally the team during difficult times became the backbone of the Mets’ resurgence. Mendoza didn’t respond to his critics with words; he let the Mets’ performance on the field do the talking, steadily guiding them back into playoff contention.
Drawing on his years of experience with the New York Yankees, Mendoza applied a winning mindset and tactical discipline that reinvigorated the team. Under his guidance, the Mets showed resilience, clawing their way back into the postseason picture and ultimately advancing to the NLCS for the first time since 2015.
Carlos Mendoza’s debut season has proven that great leadership and belief can defy expectations. As the Mets prepare for their NLCS battle, Mendoza has already made his mark, earning his place among the franchise’s most impactful managers.
