Luis Rojas was fired on Monday as manager of the New York Mets, after a second season with more defeats than victories.
The team declined a option to renew the Dominican driver’s contract for 2022, giving the announcement the day after finish third in the East Division of the National League 77-85 – in the first season with Steve Cohen as the owner.
The departure of Rojas did not generate any surprise, and would be the first of several changes during the break at a club in constant distress.
“I want to share heartfelt gratitude to many in the Mets organization. not only for the last two seasons as manager, but for the last 16 years in various roles, “said Rojas.” In each of the positions, I tried to achieve excellence as a daily mission. We are in a business that is based on results and I am deeply disappointed in our staff and fans for not being able to reach our goals this season. “
Designated as playoff contenders after bringing in shortstop Francisco Lindor, whom they tied up with a $ 341 million contract, New York led the division for 90 days in a row despite multiple injuries.
Rojas was praised for his poise and being attuned to the players – to the point that he sounded like candidate for Manager of the Year, but the team collapsed in the final two months of the season.
Without ace Jacob deGrom since the All-Star break for an ailment in the elbow, NNew York went down in August. Lindor disappointed in his freshman year and the rest of the lineup didn’t produce either, even when they had everyone healthy, and their exhausted pitchers began to falter.
In January 2020, Rojas was appointed as a pilot by then-General Brodie Van Wagenen, replacing Carlos Beltrán.