Mets dump Rojas to begin revamp
Luis Rojas was let go as manager of the Mets on Monday after two losing seasons.
The team declined its option on Rojas’ contract for 2022, making the announcement a day after finishing third in the NL East at 77-85 in Steve Cohen’s first year of ownership. The move was no surprise, the first of several significant changes coming again this offseason for a club in constant turmoil.
“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 a statement released by the team.
The Mets said Rojas has been offered the opportunity to remain in the organization in a role to be determined. The club said decisions about the coaching staff will be made in the next several days.
Expected to challenge for the playoffs or even a pennant with $341 million newcomer
Francisco Lindor at shortstop, New York led the division for 90 straight days despite a wave of injuries. Rojas drew praise for his steady hand and communication skills — even garnering mention as a potential Manager of the Year candidate.
But then everything fell apart over the final two months of the season.
With ace pitcher Jacob deGrom sidelined since the All-Star break by a sprained elbow, the Mets went into a nosedive once August arrived. The lineup languished even when healthy, and an overtaxed pitching staff started to crack.
Offense picks up after crackdown
The major-league batting average dropped to .244 this season, its lowest since the year of the pitcher in 1968, though offense picked up after baseball’s midseason crackdown on grip-enhancing substances for pitchers.
MLB’s stricter enforcement had the desired impact, ending a run of 12 consecutive full seasons in which strikeouts had set records annually.
From opening day through June 2, the last day before the crackdown, batters hit .236 with a .395 slugging percentage, a .707 OPS and an average of 4.36 runs per team each game. From June 3 through the end of the regular season, the average rose to .248 with a .419 slugging percentage, a .738 OPS and an average of 4.62 runs.
Record-breaking ump West retiring
Umpire Joe West will retire after the postseason. West, 68, broke the record for most games umpired, held by Bill Klem, when he was behind the plate for No. 5,376 in May.
West, who is expected to umpire at least one more game, is scheduled to work the wild-card contest between the Dodgers and Cardinals on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium.