The New York Mets dismissed manager Carlos Mendoza on Thursday amid ongoing struggles during the 2026 season, appointing farm director Andy Green as interim manager. The move comes as the team sits near the bottom of the National League East with a 34-47 record, reflecting a disappointing campaign for a roster built with high expectations and significant payroll commitments.

Mendoza, 46, a Venezuelan native known for his ability to connect with young Latin players and maintain close relationships with veterans, was widely respected and well-liked within the organization. Shortstop Francisco Lindor expressed sadness over the firing, describing Mendoza as “a great man” and a “family man” who earned the players' trust. Lindor, returning from a two-month injury absence, took some responsibility for the team’s performance, saying, “We failed Mendy. I failed Mendy. I didn’t play up to my capabilities... this one is on us.”

The decision to relieve Mendoza of his duties was acknowledged by Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns, who accepted accountability for the team’s underperformance. Stearns cited an “execution problem” rather than an issue with accountability but conceded that the team “hasn’t played good enough baseball.” He acknowledged the challenges stemming from injuries to key players and underwhelming contributions from high-profile acquisitions such as Bo Bichette, Jorge Polanco, and Luis Robert Jr.

Stearns, who took over as Mets’ president of baseball operations in late 2025, has faced criticism for the roster construction and the dismantling of the former core, which saw departures of long-tenured, homegrown players like Brandon Nimmo, Pete Alonso, and Jeff McNeil. The influx of new players, many struggling to adjust, along with injuries, has contributed to a lack of cohesion and inconsistent performance. Stearns emphasized belief in the current talent but acknowledged that “belief on its own does not lead to results.”

Andy Green, the team’s farm director since 2024 and former San Diego Padres manager, stepped into the interim managerial role with an emphasis on helping players find joy in the game and reducing pressure amid a difficult season. Green described the role as “a responsibility more than an opportunity” and indicated he will return to his front office position at season’s end. He expressed optimism that improvements can be made despite not expecting an immediate turnaround.

The Mets’ firing of Mendoza continues a recent pattern of managerial turnover, with five managers dismissed since 2017 and instability persisting through multiple front office changes. Stearns acknowledged the need for “a new voice” and a different approach but did not specify a timeline or criteria for selecting a permanent manager. Owner Steve Cohen, who has shifted toward a more patient ownership style, reportedly supports Stearns’ direction.

The team has yet to decide its strategy for the upcoming trade deadline but publicly maintains a focus on winning as many games as possible in the remainder of the season. With a potential MLB lockout looming, fans’ patience and trust in the organization may be tested further as the Mets seek to reverse course amid a challenging season marked by high expectations unmet.