Following Carlos Mendoza’s firing, a visually dejected David Stearns addressed the media about the decision and disappointment of the 2026 season so far.

“Despite all of our efforts, Mendy’s included, we haven’t been able to get this going this year,” Stearns began the press conference. “And I take responsibility for that.”

Let’s look at some key points/revelations from the press conference:

  • Stearns said that turning this around will be incremental. “There’s no magic bullet here that’s going to turn this thing around,” he said, and that Andy Green, the interim manager, will be part of that. “Sometimes a new voice, a new perspective, a new view, helps.”
  • After the season, the team will begin a search for a full-time manager. Green will return to the front office after the season.
  • Stearns seemed to acknowledge that the front office needs to re-evaluate its player evaluations, and he also knows the talent in the organization is underperforming.
  • On if this signals a fire sale: “We have an uphill battle,” Stearns said, but they haven’t turned the page on the season.
  • Stearns said that he called some players, and other execs called players, to inform them of the news. They also had a team meeting before the press conference.
  • In a bit of an odd interaction, the NY Post asked Stearns if he’s considered stepping aside as president of baseball operations. He responded, “I have not,” and noted he and owner Steve Cohen talk consistently, and Cohen seems to have long-term faith in Stearns.
  • Multiple organizations asked Stearns if he thinks the Mets put Mendoza is a position to succeed. He repeatedly emphasized that he and Mendoza had a partnership, and the whole organization had belief in the team and coaching staff heading into the year. (This is an editorial note: Carlos Mendoza is not a baby, nor does he need to be babied by David Stearns or the media. Mendoza was significantly involved in building his coaching staff, and he surely was consulted/aware on player signings. It just hasn’t worked out.)

Andy Green will address the media at 4:15 p.m. for the first time as Mets manager.