Carlos Mendoza Talks Shop at the Winter Meetings

It’s been a wild 24 hours for the New York Mets. The Mets and their fans are riding a high after landing one of the best baseball players, Juan Soto. Soto’s signing will have a big impact on the Mets in 2025 and beyond, but of course, now the team has to look ahead to the Winter Meetings to try and improve even more. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza spoke to the media about the Mets’ offseason and the outlook on some players.

Frankie Montas

Even with Soto, the Mets need starting pitching, and before the signing of Soto, New York inked starter Frankie Montas. Mendoza has experience working with Montas while together in the Yankees organization. Montas pitched against the Mets during the NLWCS as a Milwaukee Brewer, and Mendoza talked about what makes him tough to face and the importance of his staying healthy. 

“This is a guy I was able to spend a little bit of time with when I was with the Yankees, and unfortunately, he wasn’t healthy. But we were able to face him in the playoffs last year and, man, he was electric. He was sitting 96, 95. The fastball had life, we all know about the split. The cutter, slider that he’s got, he’s got a sweeper. When he’s healthy, he’s a pretty good arm.”

The Departure Of Luis Severino

One of the big questions surrounding the Mets’ offseason was the free agency of Luis Severino. With both Severino and Sean Manaea on the open market, the Mets were hoping to get at least one back, but Severino departed the Mets for the Athletics. Severino signed with the A’s for three years, $67 million. Knowing Severino for a long time, dating back to their Yankees days, Mendoza was happy for Severino and congratulated him on his new contract and home. 

“Happy for Sevy. I’m proud of him because I know how hard he had to work. Especially, I saw it first hand when he got hurt and then just watching him go through the whole year last year. Congrats to him, his family. I texted him. Like I said, proud of him.”

Starling Marte

One of the more interesting questions for the Mets will be about Starling Marte as he enters the walk year of his contract. Marte has been mostly productive when he’s on the field. Unfortunately, his three seasons in Flushing have seen him miss time due to injuries. Mendoza commented on his rehab process this offseason and where he fits. 

“He’s a big part of this team. Especially when he’s healthy. We saw it in the playoffs. Even though he wasn’t 100%, this is a dynamic player. He can impact the game in a lot of different ways. He can help you win baseball games by the way he runs the bases, give you quality at bats, he puts the ball in play, he’s got the ability to go the other way, he hits it out of the ballpark, he’s got a cannon, his defense got better throughout the year. He’s a big part of this team.”

Mendoza was then asked about the possibility of Marte being a DH. 

“Everything is on the table. We saw it when he got back from the IL the way we were using him, I don’t think we played him more than three in a row. Because he’s going to need help, he’s going to need to rest.”

He later said Marte is home now, going through the rehab process on his knee, and that he’s feeling better than he did at the end of last season. 

Clay Holmes

The team signed another former Yankee and pitcher Mendoza knows well, Clay Holmes. The Mets made the Holmes deal official on Tuesday and the plan for him to be a starter.

“This is another guy that the first thing that comes to mind is: professional. A guy that takes the baseball and he’s accountable. He had a lot of success, and he struggled just like every player does. When he was going through those tough times he was right there in front of his locker. It wasn’t easy. He works really hard. Good relationship with him.”

Luisangel Acuña’s Development 

Luisangel Acuña surprised people in September by stepping up for the injured Francisco Lindor. The question now becomes where his place is on the team for next year. Some view him as a potential starting second baseman, others think he needs more development in the minor leagues, and some believe he could be a trade piece. Currently, Acuna is playing winter league ball and having a lot of success. 

“I saw him last week during the Home Run Derby. He’s playing really well and the feedback we’re getting, feel like every day I’m getting call from their GM to continue to let him play. The defense, the way he’s running the bases, and I think just the experience himself. He’s getting at-bats in meaningful games in front of 15-20,000 people. That whole experience for him is going to be huge and he’s playing really well to.”