The New York Mets are no longer just dealing with losses, as the conversation has shifted toward what happens if those losses force a decision at manager.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the organization is already identifying potential replacements for Carlos Mendoza, which signals that contingency planning is no longer theoretical but part of the current reality.
What stands out about the early list of candidates is not star power or outside buzz, but rather how closely each option aligns with the Mets’ internal structure and front office philosophy.
The team may not be preparing for a dramatic reset, but instead evaluating ways to stabilize what already exists.
The Mets May Prioritize Familiarity Over a Splash Hire
GettyBench coach Kai Correa #50 of the New York Mets looks on during batting practice before the game against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field on April 28, 2026 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
If the Mets decide to move on from Mendoza, the expectation from the outside might be a high-profile managerial hire.
However, Heyman’s reporting points in a different direction, one that centers on continuity and organizational alignment rather than disruption.
Andy Green represents that approach clearly, as he currently oversees the Mets’ minor league system and already has an established relationship with president of baseball operations David Stearns.
His prior managerial experience with the Padres adds credibility, but the more important factor is his familiarity with how the Mets want to operate on a daily basis.
Promoting Green would not require a philosophical shift, which is often one of the biggest challenges teams face during an in-season managerial change. Instead, it would allow the Mets to maintain their current structure while adjusting leadership at the top, something that can appeal to a front office trying to correct course without starting over.
Kai Correa offers a similar path from within the current coaching staff, as he already operates as bench coach and remains embedded in the clubhouse dynamic. Elevating Correa would signal that the organization believes the issues are more about messaging and execution than foundational flaws, which is a very different conclusion than one that leads to a full external search.
That kind of move would prioritize continuity, while still acknowledging that something needs to change in how the team is being guided.
Carlos Beltrán Brings a Different Type of Risk and Upside
GettyCarlos Beltran stands on the field before the home opener between the New York Mets and the Toronto Blue Jays at Citi Field on April 04, 2025 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
The inclusion of Carlos Beltrán introduces a different layer to the decision-making process, as he represents neither a fully internal candidate nor a traditional external hire. His history with the Mets makes him a familiar figure, but his lack of recent managerial experience creates a level of uncertainty that the other candidates do not carry.
Beltrán’s appeal comes from his presence and credibility, as he is someone players across the league respect and understand immediately. That type of leadership can resonate quickly in a clubhouse, especially one that has struggled to find consistency, but it also comes with the challenge of stepping into a situation that requires both authority and adaptability.
Choosing Beltrán would not simply be about filling a vacancy, as it would signal a willingness from the Mets to embrace a more unconventional path in hopes of unlocking a different response from the roster.
The Absence of a Big Name May Be the Real Story
GettyFormer manager Alex Cora #13 of the Boston Red Sox looks on during batting practice prior to the game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on July 18, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Perhaps the most telling aspect of Heyman’s report is the absence of a marquee candidate, particularly with Alex Cora not expected to be a realistic option this season. That removes the most obvious external solution and reinforces the idea that the Mets are looking inward for answers.
This aligns with how another New York Post writer, Joel Sherman, has framed the situation, describing the current state as one where indecision has become part of the problem. The Mets are not only evaluating Mendoza’s performance, but also defining how they want to approach accountability within the organization.
The candidate pool reflects that internal debate, as it leans heavily toward options that preserve continuity while attempting to adjust leadership dynamics. That approach suggests the Mets may believe their issues are not rooted entirely in roster construction, but also in how that roster is being managed on a daily basis.
If a change is ultimately made, it may not be about chasing a new identity, but rather about trying to make the current one function the way it was originally intended.
Mets Manager Candidates Emerge if Mendoza Is Fired