Mets' Rojas ready to take next step

NEW YORK -- Earlier this offseason, the Mets committed to Luis Rojas as their manager for 2021. In doing so, team president Sandy Alderson acknowledged that Rojas’ late appointment to the managerial post last winter, combined with the challenges of COVID-19, made it near-impossible to evaluate his performance as a rookie manager. Alderson also noted that he would like to see Rojas improve in several respects.

On Wednesday, Rojas took questions for the first time since the end of the season. Here are five takeaways from what he discussed:

1. Rojas expects to be better
When asked directly about Alderson’s comments that the team would like to see him improve, particularly in the area of in-game management, Rojas emphatically responded that he agreed. That is a significant reason why Rojas recommended the Mets bring aboard veteran bench coach Dave Jauss as his right-hand man.

“There’s always so much room for growth in this game, especially for a first-year manager like myself and how things went last year -- so many things to learn from and all the changes,” said Rojas, who went 26-34 in his first season. “Especially in-game, the more you’re involved in games, I think the more experience you create.”

Rojas added that he already feels the new front office of Alderson and general manager Jared Porter is giving him additional freedom in the role. He plans to use that to become more aggressive in games -- for example, using relief pitchers as openers as a viable strategy.

“It’s different now,” Rojas said. “I feel that I’ve got a little bit more room to do things.”

2. Additional changes are coming to the coaching staff
Shortly after the hiring of Jauss became official, Rojas acknowledged that pitching coach Jeremy Hefner and hitting coach Chili Davis, both popular figures in the clubhouse, are slated to return. Rojas did, however, note that he expects to hire additional coaches and change some staff titles.

The Mets will soon share the details. Those whose statuses remain unclear include first- and third-base coaches Tony DeFrancesco and Gary DiSarcina, as well as bullpen coach Ricky Bones.

3. The Mets will try Rosario at third base (but not in the outfield)
For years, team officials have teased the idea of using the hyperathletic Amed Rosario in center field. That is not a realistic possibility, Rojas said, but shifting Rosario to third base is. To that end, the Mets are working with Rosario on various intricacies of the hot corner in the hopes of adding to his versatility.

Rosario’s primary position will still be shortstop, but if he proves adept at third, Rosario could be in line for additional playing time even if Andrés Giménez scoops up most of the reps at short. Currently, the Mets’ top third-base options are J.D. Davis, Giménez and Luis Guillorme, with second baseman Jeff McNeil also capable of playing there. That personnel mix is unlikely to change unless the Mets swing a blockbuster trade for Nolan Arenado.

“For [Rosario] to expand, maybe play a little bit of third base, I think is something that will definitely help him,” Rojas said. “We’ve had conversations about him throwing from that angle and practicing some of those plays that he can make from third base, and just learn the position a little bit so he can expand. … From a strategy standpoint, it will definitely help the team more.”

4. No resolution on Lugo
Although Seth Lugo’s shift to the rotation late last season had mixed results, including a 6.15 ERA, Mets officials acknowledge that it wasn’t a fair test because they asked Lugo to stretch out on the fly. Still, Rojas won’t commit to keeping Lugo in the rotation without first knowing what the rest of the team’s personnel will look like.

“Right now, I know Seth has been engaged in conversations to be either way,” Rojas said. “And I think, with respect to our front office, now Jared and Sandy working through the logistics of our needs. ... So we’ll see where we go in the offseason and what we bring into the team, and I think that’s going to dictate how we’re going to use [Lugo] for next year.”

If the Mets acquire multiple starting pitchers on the open market this winter, for example, Lugo will probably wind up in the bullpen. If they add another high-profile reliever, such as Liam Hendriks, then Lugo’s destination could be the rotation.

For now, he is participating in a generic offseason throwing program. Lugo won’t need to commit to a more specific starter or reliever program until later in the winter.

5. Rojas is supportive of Canó
The Mets manager found out about Robinson Canó’s one-year suspension the same way most people did.

“It came out on my phone and I didn’t know that it happened until it came out publicly,” Rojas said. “So it was a surprise. I was shocked when it happened, obviously disappointed at the time as well, knowing the suspension. So, yes, I reached out, always to give my support and to be there for him. I think Robinson is a great human being and he’s always been a great presence in the clubhouse for the rest of the guys and the coaching staff, including myself. I called him to be in support.”

Alderson has said it’s too early to determine whether the Mets will welcome Canó back in 2022. Until then, Rojas and others have offered Canó emotional backing.

“Robinson and myself have a good relationship,” Rojas said. “We are supportive of [Major League Baseball’s joint drug policy] as well. Since you test positive in the program, especially for a second time, we know what’s going on. So there’s not more to do than to be supportive of Robinson going through it.”