Carlos Mendoza felt a wave of emotion as he watched Venezuela clinch their first-ever World Baseball Classic victory. For Mendoza, the Mets manager, Venezuela is more than just a place on the map-it's home.
It's where his roots are, where his family lives, and where his heart truly belongs. Given the political turmoil that has plagued the nation, this triumph resonated deeply with him and countless Venezuelans worldwide.
"Some people don’t realize how big of a deal this is," Mendoza shared before a Grapefruit League matchup with the Houston Astros. "Families everywhere are celebrating this victory."
Mendoza was part of the Venezuelan coaching staff during the previous WBC, under manager Omar Little. The team's historic win was a culmination of passion and skill, with many familiar faces from 2023 stepping up once again. Mendoza took pride in their performance and the spirit they brought to the game, feeling they truly represented Venezuela's heart and soul.
With the Mets' season approaching, Mendoza aims to channel that same pride and passion into his managerial role.
“It means so much to us that they accomplished this,” Mendoza said. “Now it’s my turn to represent our country with the Mets.”
The game against Venezuela was bittersweet for Mendoza as he watched his rookie pitcher, Nolan McLean, face off against his home country. Mendoza had hoped for McLean to excel while also rooting for a Venezuelan rally. McLean delivered, exiting with the US trailing 2-0, before Bryce Harper tied it up with a two-run homer-predicted by teammate Clay Holmes just moments before.
“Clay was next to me and said, ‘Pretty good moment for a homer right here,’” McLean recalled. “Next pitch, it happened. I kind of blacked out from there but found myself on the field at some point.”
Eugenio Suarez's RBI double and Daniel Palencia's flawless save sealed the win for Venezuela, igniting celebrations that transcended the sport.
Despite the loss, McLean cherished his Team USA experience. That is, until Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez, a proud Venezuelan, playfully reminded him of the outcome.
“As soon as I walked in today, he was yelling all over the place,” McLean laughed. “He kind of ruined it for me.”
On a serious note, McLean was pleased with his performance, hitting his pitch count and maintaining his velocity. He’ll continue preparing for the Mets' opening series against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Camp Updates
The Mets have optioned Ronny Mauricio to Triple-A Syracuse. This decision leaves Vidal Brujan as a strong contender for the utility infield role. Brett Baty will take on a super utility role this season, though not at shortstop, where Bo Bichette and Jorge Polanco have significant experience.
Mauricio, healthy for the first time since 2023, impressed during camp with a .313 average and a .920 OPS. Triple-A will offer him valuable playing time.
“We need Ronny Mauricio to play every day,” Mendoza explained. “He showed great promise here in camp.”
The Mets are also confident in Mauricio’s ability at shortstop, should they need him. Meanwhile, Bichette will continue to see time at shortstop during Grapefruit League play.
Additionally, right-hander Joey Gerber was sent to Triple-A, and Mike Baumann and Brandon Waddell were assigned to minor league camp. The Mets now have 42 players remaining in Major League spring training.