Passionate Carlos Mendoza explains managing style, embraces New York pressure: 'I know what it takes'

Carlos Mendoza was officially introduced as the Mets' new manager on Tuesday at Citi Field. And while listening to Mendoza passionately speak about his experience in the game, his managing style, and his desire to bring people together, it was easy to see why the Mets are so thrilled to have him.

Speaking for roughly 45 minutes alongside president of baseball operations David Stearns, Mendoza beamed as he discussed the process that ended with him switching boroughs from the Bronx to Queens.

Mendoza said he felt a connection with the Mets right away, explaining that he was interviewing them at the same time they were interviewing him.

"When they started talking about people, culture, relationships, preparation, I felt a connection right away," Mendoza said. "Because that's who I am. I care a lot about people, relationships, respect, and the ability to put a product (out there) that's gonna be able to compete for championships.

"I understand that people are saying this is a big challenge, especially for a guy that never managed at the big league level. I understand the city of New York. I've been here for the past six years. And I know how passionate the fan base is and the expectations that they got here. Just know that I understand. I am ready for this challenge. I see this as a great opportunity. This is a great opportunity not only for Carlos Mendoza, but for the New York Mets."

And as a first-time manager who will be under a media microscope in the biggest city in the world, Mendoza is embracing the pressure.

"The fan base will let you know as soon as you walk out of that ballpark because you left a pitcher too long or because you took him (out) too early. I know what it feels like. I know what it takes," Mendoza noted while talking about the experience he got while managing in Winter Ball.

Mendoza also touched on the culture that already exists within the organization, citing the 2022 team that won 101 games.

Lots of core pieces of that team are still in place, including Pete Alonso, Francisco Lindor, Brandon Nimmo, Jeff McNeil, and Edwin Diaz.

"I'm coming in to continue to add to that culture, to continue to add to those positive things that were already building a couple of years ago.

"When we start talking about culture, I do believe that culture is not just your tradition. Culture is driven by the people that you come in contact with every day. And that starts from ownership, from David as the president of baseball operations and his people, myself as the manager. That is eventually gonna go and trickle down through the coaching staff, players, and everybody in the organization through player development all the way to the Dominican Republic.

"Culture is driven by us. By the way we connect, by the way we think, by the way we value our culture, by the way we communicate each and every day. And that's my goal -- to continue to drive that culture."

When it comes to his managing style, Mendoza said that starting with his time as a player he was taught "to play the game with fundamentals," to "respect the game," and to pay attention to details.

And as far as coaches and managers he's worked with who he learned a lot from and has a style similar to, Mendoza cited Phillies manager Rob Thomson and the just-retired Dusty Baker, who spent three decades managing in the majors.

Mendoza also spoke with former Mets manager and current Yankees coach Luis Rojas about managing in New York, and detailed what a Mendoza-managed team will look like.

"It starts with connection, relationships so the players can trust me and know that I'm there for them and gonna have their back," Mendoza said. "Comes down to preparation, attention to details every day, and competing. I want the team to go out there and play hard every pitch. And then at the end of the day I want them to have fun.

"I've learned through my experience that the connections, the trust, the respect, the relationships in the locker room and the clubhouse -- when you care about people, when you connect, it creates that culture we're talking about that eventually would show up on the baseball field. Guys are gonna be prepared. Just know that we understand the expectations here in New York."