Mets manager Carlos Mendoza discussed a number of topics on Monday at the Winter Meetings…
Nimmo trade, Semien addition
Like everyone else, Mendoza was caught off guard by the Brandon Nimmo trade.
While he only managed the outfielder for the past two seasons, he had to sit back and pause for a moment after David Stearns revealed the deal was completed with the Rangers.
While losing Nimmo is a tough blow, he is excited to add Marcus Semien to the mix.
“I wasn’t an easy decision,” he said. “Because of how much Brandon represented and what he meant to the team. At the same time, when you’re talking a guy coming back like Marcus Semien, there’s a lot of the same traits there.
“The qualities, makeup, he’s a proven winner, and also gives us the ability to improve on the right side of the infield. But it was a tough one, wishing Brandon nothing but the best, because as a manager, he represented everything.”
Williams added to the ‘pen
Mendoza is also excited about the Mets’ other big addition, this one in the bullpen.
While they are still trying to retain All-Star closer Edwin Diaz in free agency, Devin Williams brings experience and a significant boost to the backend of New York’s ‘pen.
“We’re talking about one of the best relievers for the past few years,” Mendoza said. “He’s a guy that is used to pitching in high-leverage and has closing experience — we’re looking for help there, and the fact that we got one, I was excited.”
Carson Benge’s development
Some of the work the Mets still have in front of them this winter is in the outfield.
They now have openings in left and center after moving on from Nimmo.
Stearns indicated on Monday in Orlando that, as things stand, Jeff McNeil would likely see a majority of the reps in left, but Benge would also be in the mix.
Benge is coming off a strong first full campaign in the organization, in which he hit his way up to Triple-A before season’s end.
He finished the year hitting .281 with 15 homers, 73 RBI, and a .857 OPS.
“He’s an exciting player,” Mendoza said. “He’s a guy who can impact the baseball, controls the strike zone, a pretty good defender, has the makeup — there’s just a lot to like about this kid. I keep hearing his name since we drafted him, now here he is putting himself in a position where he’s going to show up ready to compete for a spot on our roster.”
Changes to the coaching staff
Monday presented Mendoza with the first opportunity to address the numerous changes to the coaching staff.
Hitting coaches Eric Chavez and Jeremy Barnes, pitching coach Jeremy Hefner, third-base coach Mike Sarbaugh, first-base coach Antoan Richardson, and bench coach John Gibbons are some of the most notable ones to go.
They’ve been replaced by a whole new group, including four promotions from within the organization.
“Not a lot of easy decisions,” Mendoza said. “Especially with the chair I’m sitting in as the manager, you develop so many relationships with these guys, but at the same time, I’m excited about the guys we were able to bring on board.
“You’re talking about continuity and team chemistry, we brought up four guys from player development. Guys who are used to our players, our processes, our system, the relationship with players. I was very proud of the fact that we’re not only promoting players, but also giving a chance to some of the coaches that are grinding in the minor leagues.”
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