The Mets are less than one day removed from the end of their season, but the organization is already moving on from their manager.
The Mets announced Monday afternoon that they have declined their option on Luis Rojas, marking a move toward a new face in the dugout to try and lead New York out of its recent losing ways, which continued in 2021 with a final record of 77-85. Decisions in regards to the rest of the coaching staff will be made in the next "several days," per the team's statement.
In two seasons as manager, Rojas finished with a record of 103-119. The team has offered Rojas a chance to remain with the organization in a role that is to be determined.
“The entire Mets organization is grateful for the dedication and devotion that Luis has exhibited over the last two seasons as manager,” team president Sandy Alderson said in a statement. “He has shown a great commitment to the Mets over many years in multiple capacities. These decisions are never easy, but we feel a change is needed at this time.”
Alderson told reporters at his end-of-season press conference that a decision on the team’s managerial future would be made after the season, and the organization clearly wasted no time in deciding that it would not pick up Rojas’ contract option.
Rojas maintained an aura of optimism as New York stumbled through a 29-45 record through the second half of the season after spending nearly three straight months in first place. The NL East winners, the Braves, finished with just 88 wins, but the Mets were unable to capitalize.
“I want to share such heartfelt gratitude to so many in the Mets organization for not only the last two seasons as manager, but for the last 16 years in a variety of roles,” Rojas said in Monday's statement. “In each and every position I held, striving for excellence was our daily mission. I will always hold the relationships and friendships, developed over the years, dear to my heart, and am forever grateful to have been able to wear the Mets uniform for so long. We live in a results oriented business, and am deeply disappointed for our staff and fans that we didn’t reach our goals this season.”
For the Mets, the search begins for a new manager, and a president of baseball operations as the organization looks to start anew once again.
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
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