New York Yankees bench coach Carlos Mendoza appears to be making a move across town as the Mets are reportedly hiring him as manager.
The Mets have been searching for a new manager since firing Buck Showalter early last month and appear to be close to announcing the replacement for the veteran captain.
And despite reports that the Mets had Craig Counsell in their sights, the organization is hiring Mendoza as its new manager, according to ESPN.
The 43-year-old is reportedly moving from the Bronx to Queens after 15 years with the Yankees in various roles.
He managed the lower minor leagues in 2011-12 before spending the last four seasons as Aaron Boone’s backup coach.
The New York Mets have reportedly hired Yankees relief coach Carlos Mendoza as their new manager
Counsell was considered the favorite for the role because of his close working relationship with Mets president of baseball David Stearns, who was appointed in October after working with Counsell in Milwaukee. Counsell and his wife Michelle reportedly love New York.
But the Mets chose a lesser-known hire in Mendoza after he impressed in interviews, the report continued. The two sides agreed to terms on Monday.
Counsell was also said to be in consideration for the Guardians position, but Cleveland announced the appointment of Stephen Vogt as manager on Monday afternoon.
Counsell’s contract with Milwaukee expired last week, but the Brewers are allowing him to look elsewhere while also hoping they can re-sign the coveted manager.
Brewers principal owner Mark Attanasio has said multiple times that the team wants Counsell back in 2024.
Mendoza appeared in 28 major league games as a player, including 15 with the Mets in 1997. He collected four hits in the major leagues.
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