"If I'm a Mets fan, I'm feeling really good" - MLB insider hails David Stearns & Carlos Mendoza's 'elite' leadership amid stellar playoff run

On Friday, MLB analyst Jim Bowden talked about how Carlos Mendoza (manager) and David Stearns (president of baseball operations) have guided the New York Mets to success. Bowden currently covers MLB with The Athletic.

Beginning his coaching career as a bench coach for the New York Yankees, Mendoza was offered the role of manager for the Mets preceeding the 2024 season.

Stearns, too, joined the Mets shortly before the 2024 season began, as he was employed by the organization after the final game of the 2023 season.

Making an appearance on MLB Network Radio's "Power Alley" on October 4, Bowden talked about how Mendoza and Stearns' presence has been so crucial for New York.

"This [Mets] is an 89-win team because Carlos Mendoza and David Stearns' leadership is just elite, and it's gonna be elite for a long time. This is a combination that's going to be here for a decade. We're talking about two great leaders, and if I'm a Mets fan, I'm feeling really good," Bowden said. [0:06]

"If you can get me 89 wins and a division series when I'm cutting back financially and trying to set back to build for the future, and you just did this? What are you going to do when you can go bring in the [likes of] Soto and Corbin Burnes," Bowden added. [0:53]

Carlos Mendoza reflects on Pete Alonso's game-winning home run for Mets

On Thursday, New York secured victory in what was the most important game of their season so far, coming back from a two-run deficit late to win, 4-2. The hero on the day was first baseman Pete Alonso, who's three-run homer in the top of the ninth turned the scoreline on it's head, and got the Mets a spot in the next round.

Speaking to SNY after, Mendoza talked about Alonso's game-changing hit, and his team's fighting spirit.

"Unbelievable. It's been hard for him [Pete Alonso] all year. Going into the ninth inning facing one of the best closers in the game, I'm looking to my right and I see Pete Alonso. I thought 'this could be it right here'. I said it yesterday, he's one swing away from making history. You could feel it," Mendoza said. [0:03]

"We continue to believe. As a team, we've been knocked down, and we continue to find ways to get back up. For Pete to come through that way, is a dream come true for him, what a signature moment," he added. [1:11]

With the victory, the Mets set up an exciting best-of-five series against the Philadelphia Phillies. Mets fans will be hoping their skipper can continue to guide them to victory as they look to upset to upset the home support at Citizens Bank Park.