Q&A: Mendoza on surprises, lessons from Mets' first half

In a recent interview with MLB.com, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza answered questions on a wide range of topics, from the first half of the season to the two bench players who brought good vibes to the team on and off the field.

MLB.com: How would you describe the first half of the 2024 season?

Carlos Mendoza: Interesting, because we went through a lot. There were stretches where it was hard for us. [Then,] we played well. I liked how the guys got through those tough times -- how consistent they were and their willingness to get better in different areas. We understand we have a ways to go, but I like where we are as a team.

MLB.com: What was the most pleasant surprise during the first half?

Mendoza: Oh, a lot. You get contributions from a lot of people. I could name the Reed Garretts of the world. The Dedniel Núñezes of the world. The Mark Vientoses of the world. Guys that continue to step up here. Those are really good surprises for us.

MLB.com: Why were they able to bounce back?

Mendoza: We have good players who care. They are willing to work day in and day out to get better. So not only are they really good players, it’s how they are pushing each other. I think it helped getting through those tough times.

MLB.com: In my opinion, once the team added infielder Jose Iglesias and catcher Luis Torrens to the bench, it seemed the vibe changed for the better in the locker room and on the field.

Mendoza: Those two guys helped a lot. Torrens came in and played really well. It was a big factor in getting the team to start playing a lot better. The same thing with Iglesias -- positive vibe. Not only in the locker room but how he is performing on the field. We have seen the way he is producing. But just the energy overall -- he always has a smile on his face and tries to keep things loose. That’s important to have.

MLB.com: How much did the players-only meeting after the Dodgers game help the team? After that, the Mets played well.

Mendoza: It helped a lot. It’s who we are. A guy like Francisco Lindor called that team meeting, and a lot of players spoke. They got a lot of things off their chest. I think it is important. It seems like after that day, we took off, pretty much. Credit to them because not only did they have the meeting but [they] backed up the words and went about their business day in and day out. At the same time, they are keeping it fun.

MLB.com: Let’s talk about Vientos. What advice would you give to kids when it comes to him? Here is a guy who thought he would be the Opening Day third baseman, but he was sent down to the Minor Leagues. Now, he is one of the best players on the team.

Mendoza: My advice to kids is, nothing in life is easy. You have to fight for it [when it comes to] baseball. When you have dreams, you have to fight for it. You are going to get knocked down, you have to get back up. That’s what we saw in Vientos. He shows up in Spring Training with pretty much a good chance to make the team. He gets the news during the last day of Spring Training that he has to go back down to Triple A. It’s not easy. … Then he got the call back [to the Major Leagues], hit a walk-off homer [against the Cardinals] and then got sent back down. He has been through a lot. That’s the message: Nothing in life is easy. We are talking about baseball in particular. Now, he is getting results of what he continues to do.

MLB.com: One thing that is obvious: The Mets need to improve the bullpen. How do you fix it?

Mendoza: Guys will step up, especially now that we are playing a man short [because of Edwin Díaz’s suspension]. But I’ve been saying it all year: Guys will continue to get opportunities. We have seen it from the position players side. We’ve seen it from the bullpen with guys like Reed Garrett, Dedniel Núñez. Danny Young was sent down, but he was getting big outs for us. It’s been hard losing guys like Drew Smith and Brooks Raley [to injuries]. Obviously, we are going to get Sean Reid-Foley back [from the injured list] at some point. Again, when you get to 162-plus [games], you are going to need 50 to 60 players, and here we are and I’m pretty confident the guys will get the job done.

MLB.com: The one thing I noticed about you: You never lost your temper and you are not afraid to tell the truth. How did you get that trait?

Mendoza: My parents raised me that way, and I learned a lot as a player, coach and now as a manager. When I managed before in the Minor Leagues or Winter Ball, at the end of the day, you have to understand they are human beings. The game is hard. That’s the balance. You stay consistent, positive because you need that. There is a lot of negativity in baseball and around the world. You have to stay positive. That’s who I am.

MLB.com: What traits did you take from the Yankees to the Mets?

Mendoza: Look, I learned a lot from [the Yankees]. But at the same time, we are trying to build something unique here. You try to be better than everyone else, knowing and understanding that it’s going to take time. Everything I learned from the Yankees or other teams that I played for or coached, you kind of take what’s good and … build your own foundation and culture. That’s what we are trying to do here.

MLB.com: Mets owner Steve Cohen and general manager David Stearns have sung your praises. What is it like working for them?

Mendoza: Great. They care about people. They want to win, obviously. You have an owner that cares so much about the franchise and … wants to win. He has done it in the past, and he is willing to do whatever it takes.

With David, he is not only super smart, the people skills are off the chart. He understands that the game is hard. We are on the same page all the time. When you have that type of support, it makes it even better.