The Philadelphia Phillies have hired former New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza as their new third-base and infield coach, adding valuable major league experience to Don Mattingly’s coaching staff ahead of the 2027 MLB season.
Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski announced the move on October 15, 2026, as Philadelphia continues reshaping its coaching staff following another disappointing postseason exit. Mendoza returns to the National League East just months after being dismissed by the Mets.
Carlos Mendoza Joins the Phillies Coaching Staff
Carlos Mendoza will take responsibility for Philadelphia’s third-base coaching duties and infield development. His appointment comes as the Phillies look to strengthen their defensive fundamentals, improve infield coordination and build a coaching group capable of helping the team compete for a championship.
Mendoza brings experience from both sides of New York’s baseball rivalry. He managed the Mets for parts of three seasons after spending six years on the New York Yankees’ coaching staff from 2018 through 2023.
His familiarity with major league players, defensive positioning and game management could prove valuable as Philadelphia prepares for the upcoming season.
Why the Mets Fired Carlos Mendoza
Mendoza’s tenure as Mets manager ended on June 26, 2026, after New York struggled through a disappointing start to the campaign.
The Mets were 34-47 and sitting last in the National League East when the organization decided to make a managerial change. The team’s expensive roster and poor results increased the pressure on the coaching staff.
Mendoza finished his Mets managerial tenure with a 206-199 record. Although his overall record was above .500, the team’s difficult 2026 campaign ultimately led to his departure.
His most significant achievement in New York came in 2024, when he guided the Mets to the National League Championship Series. However, the team missed the playoffs in 2025 before its struggles continued into the following season.
Andy Green replaced Mendoza on an interim basis before the Mets removed the interim designation and signed him to a three-year contract.
Don Mattingly and the Phillies Begin a New Chapter
Mendoza’s arrival is part of a broader coaching overhaul in Philadelphia. Don Mattingly, who initially took over after Rob Thomson was dismissed on April 28, has been appointed the Phillies’ permanent manager on a two-year contract.
Mattingly helped guide Philadelphia into the postseason but could not prevent the club from being eliminated by the Atlanta Braves in the National League Wild Card Series.
The Phillies are also moving on from hitting coach Kevin Long and infield coach Bobby Dickerson. Anthony Contreras, who had been promoted to the major league third-base coaching role, will remain with the organization but will not continue in that specific position.
Adding Mendoza gives Mattingly another coach with first-hand managerial experience and knowledge of the demands of competing in the National League East.
What Carlos Mendoza’s Hiring Means for the Phillies Infield
The Phillies’ infield could undergo significant changes before the 2027 season. Questions surrounding shortstop Trea Turner’s future, along with the free-agent situations involving Alec Bohm and Luis Arraez, could affect the club’s defensive lineup.
Mendoza will be expected to help players improve their positioning, communication, footwork and overall defensive consistency. His third-base responsibilities will also involve making quick decisions on runners, scoring opportunities and baserunning situations.
Philadelphia will hope his experience helps the team address areas that have contributed to its postseason disappointments.
Because Mendoza previously managed the Mets, his understanding of the division rival’s organization also adds an intriguing element to the move. However, his primary responsibility will be helping Philadelphia improve rather than focusing on his former club.
Phillies Make Additional Roster and Coaching Moves
Alongside the Mendoza announcement, Dombrowski confirmed that left-handed reliever Tim Mayza had re-signed with Philadelphia on a one-year deal.
Mayza recorded a 3.48 ERA and 64 strikeouts across a career-high 67.1 innings during the season, providing the Phillies with another experienced bullpen option.
The team is still searching for a new hitting coach following Long’s departure. Additional coaching announcements could follow as Mattingly and the front office finalize their plans for 2027.
Carlos Mendoza and the Phillies: What Comes Next?
Mendoza’s appointment gives the Phillies an experienced baseball mind as they prepare for another attempt to compete in the National League East. His previous managerial success, including the Mets’ 2024 NLCS run, offers a reminder of what he can contribute to a major league organization.
For Philadelphia, the challenge will be turning its coaching changes into better defensive execution and more consistent postseason performances. Mendoza will play an important role in that process, particularly as the club evaluates its infield personnel and prepares for the next season.
His move from the Mets to the Phillies is also one of the offseason’s most notable coaching developments, adding another storyline to an already competitive NL East rivalry.
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