Yankees' Aaron Boone Reacts to Carlos Mendoza's Mets Firing, 'Surprised But Not Surprised'

New York Yankees skipper Aaron Boone reacted to the New York Mets' decision to fire manager Carlos Mendoza on Friday.

"Surprised, I guess, but not surprised," Boone said, via Chris Kirschner of The Athletic. "Obviously, it's a tough situation over there right now with what they've been through this year, and even going back to last year."

The Mets parted ways with Mendoza after opening the 2026 season with a 34-47 record, as Andy Green was named interim manager.

Mendoza was previously part of Boone's staff on the Yankees before joining the Mets in 2024, serving as their bench coach from 2019-23.

"He's really good at what he does," Boone said, via Kirschner. "He's a great leader that, as time goes on, my expectation is that he'll be in line for another job in a lot of different ways, shapes, and forms, and he has earned a strong reputation in the industry. I think even through all this, I think it solidified that reputation."

The Mets made a National League Championship Series appearance during Mendoza's first season with the team in 2024, but missed the postseason the following year by finishing at 83-79.

Their front office went on to make several roster changes during the ensuing offseason, but the flurry of moves didn't help the team climb up the NL East standings.

The Mets' OPS of .672 as a team represents the second-worst mark in the majors this year, while their 4.84 ERA among starting pitchers ranks No. 14 among all NL teams.

Meanwhile, the Yankees sit atop the AL East standings with a 48-33 record.