NY Mets manager Carlos Mendoza will have a different test in 2025

The 2025 season was always going to be a pivotal one for New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza, no matter what happened in the offseason. The sophomore skipper had led a team that far exceeded expectations — even those of ownership. But the offseason brought a game-changing event: the Mets signed future Hall of Famer Juan Soto to the largest contract in American sports history. For the first time in his career, Mendoza will be managing with sky-high expectations.

When Mets owner Steve Cohen bought the team, a new air of possibility swept over the franchise. Cohen, affectionately referred to by Mets fans as "Uncle Steve," was seen as just that — the rich uncle who would rescue the Mets from years of mediocrity and elevate them to championship aspirations. His first big move was hiring baseball stalwart Buck Showalter. While the World Series had always eluded Showalter, his three Manager of the Year awards and winning experience brought prestige that had been missing under predecessors Luis Rojas and Mickey Callaway. However, Showalter’s tenure was short-lived.

Carlos Mendoza gets his due

Cohen’s next hire, Carlos Mendoza, was initially seen as a surprising, even lackluster, choice. The former Yankees bench coach lacked the big-name appeal of Showalter, but the move seemed intentional. After the Mets punted on the 2023 season at the trade deadline, reports suggested 2024 would be a transitional year. Yet, the Mets defied expectations again, catching fire in June and riding their momentum to within two wins of the Fall Classic.

Mendoza quickly earned a reputation for his calm and steady leadership, mixed with gutsy late-game decisions. His success endeared him to Mets fans and proved he could handle the pressure cooker of New York City.

A new test in Queens

Mets fans will always remember where they were on December 8. On that fateful night, the team that began its baseball life as the lovable losers landed the biggest free agent in franchise history, signing right fielder Juan Soto to a staggering 15-year, $765 million contract. With that signing, however, comes enormous responsibility for manager Carlos Mendoza.

For the first time in his career, Mendoza will be managing with expectations as high as the city skyline. While Soto himself requires little on-field managing — put him in right field, bat him second, and let watch him go — the real challenge lies in the non-Soto decisions. Every move, every lineup shuffle, bullpen call, that Mendoza makes will be scrutinized to the nth degree. If the team gets off to a slow start or endures a prolonged losing streak, the question will be whether Mendoza can maintain his signature 2024 composure and steer the ship back into calmer waters. This is the challenge Mendoza and the Mets wanted. The talk has been talked. Now, it’s time to walk the walk.