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Fired Mets skipper Carlos Mendoza spurned Mariners’ managerial opening for lesser Phillies role

Former New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza has left the Seattle Mariners’ managerial search behind to join the Philadelphia Phillies as their new third base and infield coach. Mendoza, who was dismissed midseason after the Mets slumped to a 34–47 record, had been considered for Seattle’s vacant managerial role following the departure of Dan Wilson.

Instead, he accepted the Phillies’ offer, where he will work under retained manager Don Mattingly while addressing defensive concerns, including a poor fielding run value of –20 last season. The Phillies also parted ways with hitting coach Kevin Long and infield coach Bobby Dickerson to make room for Mendoza’s hire.

Mendoza’s tenure with the Mets spanned two and a half seasons, including a standout 2024 campaign that saw New York reach the National League Championship Series before losing to the Dodgers. However, a late-season collapse in 2025—marked by a 12-game losing streak in April and a final-day playoff exit—led to his firing in June.

His 206–199 record with the Mets will now give way to a new challenge: helping turn around the defensive struggles of $300 million shortstop Trea Turner, who received a warning from Phillies president Dave Dombrowski to improve or risk being moved from the position.

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