Orioles should probably consult NY Mets fans before making a managerial mistake

It is a recurring theme for the New York Mets organization and its supporters: a former manager, once subjected to the intense pressures of the New York baseball landscape, emerges as a candidate for a leading role with another team. This time, it’s Luis Rojas, the former Mets skipper and current Yankees third-base coach, who is reportedly being considered for the Baltimore Orioles in the search for their next manager.

While the Orioles’ front office is no doubt doing its due diligence, they might be wise to take a temperature check of the Mets fan base before making a final decision. Rojas’s time in Queens was anything but a resounding success, and while he has since found a home in the Bronx, the memories of his time at the helm of the Mets are still fresh in the minds of those who followed the team closely. Before the Orioles commit to Rojas, they should consider the full picture of his managerial career, the good, the bad, and the ugly.

A look back at Luis Rojas' time in Queens

Rojas was thrust into the Mets’ managerial role under difficult circumstances, taking over after the abrupt departure of Carlos Beltrán. His supporters will point to his extensive experience in the Mets’ minor league system, where he had a successful run. He was well-respected within the organization and had a reputation as a bright baseball mind with a knack for developing young players.

However, his success in the minors did not translate to the major league level. In his two seasons as manager, the Mets were a combined 103-119. The 2021 season, in particular, was a masterclass in disappointment. The team spent over 100 days in first place, only to suffer a historic collapse and finish with a losing record. Rojas’s in-game decisions were often scrutinized, and he struggled to get the most out of a talented roster.

The controversies weren’t limited to the team’s performance. Rojas had his share of run-ins with umpires, including a two-game suspension for excessive arguing. While his defenders might see this as a manager fighting for his players, his critics saw it as a sign of a manager who was in over his head. His inability to stop the bleeding during the team’s second-half collapse was a major factor in his dismissal.

Since leaving the Mets, Rojas has landed on his feet with the Yankees. He is highly regarded by the organization, and there is a sense that he has grown and matured during his time in the Bronx. However, even with the Yankees, his performance as a third-base coach has been met with mixed reviews from fans. While the Orioles may be intrigued by his potential, they should proceed with caution. The Mets gave him a chance, and the results were less than stellar. Baltimore would be wise to learn from the Mets’ mistakes.