As the 2024 New York Mets begin spring training in Port St. Lucie, Fla, many questions need to be answered in camp. Yesterday, new general manager David Stearns spoke to the press; today, it was first-year manager Carlos Mendoza‘s turn.

Here are some highlights of his first spring press conference.

His First Spring as Manager

To start, Mendoza said it is an honor and a privilege to put on the Mets uniform as a manager for the first time. He wants the players to know that they must care for each other and that he’s all about preparation and details. The most important part of spring is leaving it healthy. As much as he has to learn about the players, he says, they have much to learn about him.

Mendoza also touched on the passion of Mets fans. He said he knows what he signed up for and expressed how he wants to win as much as the fans want. “We have high expectations here,” and Mendoza feels that David Stearns did a good job building the team and bringing in the depth pieces. Mendoza agreed with Stearns’ comments about the team being a championship caliber. He says that together, their goal and expectation is to bring home a championship.

Fundamentals, Fundamentals, Fundamentals

When asked about coming from the Yankees and what a Mendoza team looks like, he said the team would be prepared and play fundamental baseball, doing everything possible to win a baseball game and respect each other.

Details and fundamentals have been a problem for the Mets in recent years, resulting in some of their recent playoff exits, like the 2015 World Series, 2016 Wild Card game, and 2022 Wild Card series. Last year, the teams’ fundamentals took a big hit, resulting in one of the most disappointing seasons in team history. Getting back to basics is something Mendoza has been preaching for the Mets.

Position Competitions

The Mets have plenty of position competitions heading into camp, from third base to DH to the bullpen. Mendoza said that competition brings the best out of players.

With third base, Mendoza said he feels good about it, even from a platoon player, with Mark Vientos, Joey Wendle, and Brett Baty. Mendoza said it will all “play itself out.” With Ronny Mauricio out for the season, Baty and Vientos will be the primary competitors at third base and Vientos as the designated hitter. A player like Baty needs to show Mendoza his talents and that he can prove to hit big league pitching. 

When asked who the team’s center fielder is, Mendoza said they “have good options.” He brought up Harrison Bader and Brandon Nimmo and the conversations with Nimmo about his permanent spot on the team. Mendoza said Nimmo is “willing to do whatever it takes.” He could see him playing both left field and center field. 

On the starting rotation, Mendoza wants guys like Tylor Megill to be themselves, and he assures them that they will pitch meaningful games. When it comes to a six-man rotation, Mendoza once again said it would play itself out, and there are many things to consider—again, bringing up health, getting to know the pitchers, and being very open and flexible.

The Return of Edwin Díaz

Regarding Edwin Díaz‘s return and workload, Mendoza said that the Mets closer is doing great and finishing his rehab program. He wants him to get through spring training, be mindful of where he’s at, and get him in games. He’ll be doing backfield work at first before Opening Day, and his workload will be determined as the regular season goes on. With bullpen arms such as Brooks Raley, who closed games for New York last year, and a returning Adam Ottavino, who has experience in the ninth inning, the Mets will have options aside from Díaz.