Jessica Mendoza has resigned as a Mets adviser after signing a multiyear extension with ESPN. She will have an expanded role with the network.
The former college and Olympic softball star joined the Mets last March. In that role, she provided insight to general manager Brodie Van Wagenen and the baseball operations department in the areas of player evaluation, roster construction, technological advancement and health and performance. When the Mets hired Mendoza, she had already been serving as an analyst on ESPN's "Sunday Night Baseball" for more than three years.
"We have enjoyed our relationship with Jessica and appreciated all her contributions and insight over the past year," Van Wagenen said in a statement. "We are excited for her expanded role at ESPN and fully understand and support her need to fully invest her time in all the new platforms. We have such respect and value her baseball insight and know her impact on the game of baseball is just beginning."
Mendoza's dual roles working for both a team and a media organization were the subject of some criticism, particularly last month when, during an ESPN Radio appearance, she blasted pitcher Mike Fiers for revealing the Houston Astros' sign-stealing scheme. The comments were made while the Mets were deciding the fate of newly hired manager Carlos Beltran, a former Astro who was involved in the cheating.
At baseball's owners meeting in Orlando, Florida, on Thursday, commissioner Rob Manfred said he's not comfortable with people working for teams and also media organizations. Pedro Martinez, a Red Sox adviser and TBS analyst, also criticized Fiers.
"It's a topic that remains under discussion internally," he said. "It caused a lot of complications, not just on this particular incident or comments, but in general."
At ESPN, Mendoza, 39, will no longer be part of the "Sunday Night Baseball" crew but will call weeknight MLB games, becoming the first woman to serve as a solo analyst on national baseball telecasts. Her responsibilities also include Women's College World Series and Olympic baseball and softball coverage.
"I've always prioritized my growth and these new opportunities will allow me to expand my broadcasting career while challenging me at the same time," Mendoza said in a statement. "From calling MLB games on television and radio, to extensive studio work and features, I'm excited about everything that lies ahead."
