Mets Manager Mendoza Emphasizes Expectations Early in Spring Training

Mendoza tells players to embrace responsibility and opportunity as Mets aim to end championship drought

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza has emphasized to his players early in spring training that they must embrace the high expectations that come with playing for the Mets. Mendoza said the team needs to understand the responsibility and opportunity they have to do something special this season after the Mets missed the playoffs last year despite a roster overhaul by team president David Stearns.

Why it matters

The Mets have not won a World Series since 1986, and owner Steve Cohen has made it clear he expects the team to win a championship in the next 3-5 years. Mendoza is under pressure to deliver, as the Mets dealt with clubhouse issues last season and failed to make the playoffs despite a talented roster. Mendoza's ability to get the team on the same page and focused on the high expectations will be crucial to the Mets' success this season.

The details

Mendoza told reporters that he has emphasized to the players the importance of "embracing expectations" and "enjoying the meaning of putting this uniform on." He said the team needs to understand the responsibility that comes with representing the Mets and their goal of being "the last team standing." Mendoza believes the Mets, who added several big names this offseason, have a "really good opportunity to do something special" if they can come together as a team.

  • Mendoza made these comments to reporters on Monday, February 17, 2026.

The players

Carlos Mendoza

The manager of the New York Mets, heading into the final guaranteed year of his contract with a club option for a fourth season.

Steve Cohen

The owner of the New York Mets, who has said he would consider it "slightly disappointing" if the team doesn't win a World Series in the next 3-5 years.

David Stearns

The president of baseball operations for the New York Mets, who overhauled the team's roster this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“I think it's just embracing expectations, enjoying the meaning of putting this uniform on, what it means, what we represent, and what we're here for.”

— Carlos Mendoza, Mets Manager (SNY)

“There's always high expectations here. Our goal is to be the last team standing, and we haven't done that the past couple of years. Understanding the responsibility and what's ahead of us, and just embrace it. We have a really good opportunity to do something special here, so that's the messaging there.”

— Carlos Mendoza, Mets Manager (SNY)

What’s next

If the Mets fail to at least win a playoff series under Mendoza this coming fall, fans may demand that owner Steve Cohen and president of baseball operations David Stearns make a leadership change.

The takeaway

Mendoza's ability to get the Mets' talented roster on the same page and focused on the high expectations set by owner Steve Cohen will be crucial to the team's success this season as they aim to end their championship drought that dates back to 1986.