sports
Mets fire manager after 34-47 start; players and executives take responsibility
The New York Mets dismissed manager Carlos Mendoza on Friday following a 34-47 record. Several players and the president of baseball operations said the team underperformed and that the change was needed with 81 games left.
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Hours later, shortstop Francisco Lindor and president of baseball operations David Stearns publicly accepted responsibility for the start. Lindor said the players failed Mendoza. "We failed Mendy," he said. "I didn't play to my capability to help him win as many games as we could.
" Stearns said the decision came after months of support for Mendoza. He stated that performance had not improved and that a change was required to give the last-place club its best chance over the remaining schedule.
Player reactions Juan Soto, the team's highest-paid player, said the front office called him Friday morning. He said he then contacted Mendoza to thank him for helping him adjust after signing a 15-year, $765 million contract. Third baseman Bo Bichette said the manager sometimes must take the fall when the team underperforms.
500.
On-field performance The team posted the third-highest rotation ERA in the majors and allowed 54 runs during the six-game losing streak. Entering Friday, the Mets trailed the first-place Atlanta Braves by 14½ games in the National League East and sat 9½ games behind the St.
Louis Cardinals for the final wild-card spot. Stearns said the front office has not shifted its focus beyond the current season despite the long odds of reaching the postseason.
