Mets Insider Defends Manager Mendoza Amid Calls for Firing

The Athletic's Will Sammon argues Mets fans need to be patient as the team works through early-season struggles.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 3:54pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in shades of blue, green, and orange, depicting a baseball game or match broken down into sharp, overlapping planes, conveying the chaotic energy of the Mets' difficult start to the season.A cubist interpretation of the frustration and uncertainty surrounding the Mets' early-season struggles.NYC Today

An MLB insider is pushing back against calls from frustrated New York Mets fans to fire manager Carlos Mendoza, arguing he deserves more time to sort out the team's issues, especially with star slugger Juan Soto currently sidelined by injury.

Why it matters

The Mets have gotten off to a disappointing 7-11 start, dropping seven games in a row and sitting in last place in the NL East. Fans are understandably frustrated, but the insider says Mendoza has handled the challenges well and shouldn't be in danger of losing his job this early in the season.

The details

The Athletic's Will Sammon wrote that Mendoza is not in danger of being fired at this point, and it would take a lot more for that to change. Sammon argues Mendoza needs time to deal with the team's hitting problems, especially with the loss of star slugger Juan Soto to a calf injury. Mendoza's entire coaching staff also turned over in the offseason, adding to the challenges he's facing.

  • The Mets have dropped seven games in a row to start the 2026 season.
  • Star slugger Juan Soto is currently sidelined with a calf injury but is expected to start running again soon.

The players

Carlos Mendoza

The manager of the New York Mets, who is facing calls from frustrated fans to be fired despite the team's early-season struggles.

Juan Soto

The Mets' star slugger who is currently sidelined with a calf injury.

Will Sammon

An MLB insider who writes for The Athletic and is defending Mendoza amid the calls for his firing.

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What they’re saying

“Let's lean into the absurdity of discussing a manager's job in the middle of April and say it plainly: Carlos Mendoza is not in danger of losing his job at this point. And it would take a lot more for that to change.”

— Will Sammon, MLB Insider

“We just want to make sure he's fully healthy, especially when you're talking about a calf.”

— Carlos Mendoza, Mets Manager

What’s next

The Mets will look to snap their seven-game losing streak when they play the Dodgers again on Wednesday.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges facing a manager like Mendoza, who is trying to turn around a struggling team while dealing with key injuries and a complete coaching staff overhaul. Mets fans may be impatient, but the insider argues Mendoza deserves more time to get the team on track before his job is in jeopardy.