Carlos Mendoza Backed by David Stearns amid Mets' Woes, 'Don't View This as a Manager Problem'

The New York Mets are sticking with manager Carlos Mendoza after one of the worst season starts in franchise history.

President of baseball operations David Stearns told MLB.com's Anthony DiComo on Friday that Mendoza will retain his job despite his team posting an MLB-worst 10-21 record through 31 games.

"We know our record is not what we want, and we know we are capable of more," Stearns told DiComo. "We don't view this as a manager problem, and we don't intend to make a change."

DiComo reported that "in the eyes of team decision-makers, the blame should be spread throughout the organization, from baseball operations to the clubhouse."

Mendoza will look to turn things around by making the Mets the first club to post a 12-game losing streak and still qualify for the postseason.

The Mets have been one of the least productive teams in MLB this season, ranking 26th in total hits and 29th in runs.

According to DiComo, the Mets see that lack of offense as the result of injuries to key contributors including Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto and Jorge Polanco and not as Mendoza's responsibility.

Mendoza, who is in his third year with the Mets following his tenure as the New York Yankees' bench coach, is signed through the 2026 season with a club option for 2027.

The Mets made it to the 2024 NLCS in Mendoza's first season with the club, but despite adding Juan Soto the following offseason missed out on the 2025 postseason altogether.

Stearns responded to that underwhelming 83-79 campaign with roster turnover that involved parting ways with Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo and Edwin Díaz while bringing in Polanco alongside Freddy Peralta, Devin Williams and Bo Bichette.

The Mets might be making some changes to the highest active payroll in MLB going forward. ESPN's Jorge Castillo reported Friday that the Mets have reached out to teams in search of offensive help.

Starting pitchers outside of Peralta, Nolan McLean and Clay Holmes could be sent the other way as part of a potential deal, per Castillo.

That could mean David Peterson, Kodai Senga or Sean Manaea could end up on the trade block this spring as the Mets look to improve the roster Mendoza is working with down the stretch of his third season in Queens.