Mets takeaways from Carlos Mendoza at Winter Meetings, including updates on Edwin Diaz, Starling Marte, third base

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza met with the media for the first time since arriving at the Winter Meetings on Monday evening.

The first-time skipper was asked about a number of different topics including the statuses of star closer Edwin Diaz, second baseman Jeff McNeil, and outfielder Starling Marte entering spring training.

He also discussed new Mets bench coach John Gibbons and the teams plans for third base at this point in the offseason among other topics.

Here are some takeaways…

Diaz update

Perhaps one of the biggest nuggets from Mendoza is that Diaz is fully healthy after missing all of last season due to a torn patellar tendon suffered during the World Baseball Classic.

Diaz was working his way back to the big-league mound, but with the team eliminated from playoff contention late last season, they decide it was best to shut him down.

The right-hander is now expected to a handle a normal workload come spring training.

“He can’t wait to get going,” the skipper said. “I spoke with him a couple of weeks ago, he’s going through his offseason routines and preparation, he’s excited. We can’t wait to have him in spring training and get him going.”

Having Diaz back in the backend of their bullpen will be a huge boost for Mendoza and the Mets this season.

Other injury updates

Mendoza also had some good news on the injury front as it pertains to the statuses of McNeil and Marte.

Both players have been going through their normal offseason routines as planned, and like Diaz, they are expected to be ready to handle a full workload when they report to spring training.

Marte is coming off an injury-riddled 2023 campaign in which he was limited to just 86 games, two of which were in the second-half, after undergoing double groin surgery during the offseason.

McNeil’s season came to an early end after he was diagnosed with a partially torn UCL in his left elbow following an awkward slide into second base in a late-September game, but he was able to avoid surgery.

The 31-year-old had a bit of a down season after taking home the batting title, but Mendoza is confident in McNeil’s ability to bounce back.

“I have no doubt Jeff is going to be the hitter he is capable of being,” he said. “You don’t win a batting title by accident. This guy is a gifted hitter, he’s a guy that sprays the ball all over the field and has hit everywhere he’s played.”

On third base

At this point, Mendoza says he still isn't set on who his Opening Day third baseman will be, but he is excited with the current options he has competing for the spot in Ronny Mauricio, Brett Baty, and the recently-signed Joey Wendle.

"The talent is there," he said. "We've got Brett, I spoke with him the other day he's really excited. We've got Mauricio and we added Wendle, so there's a ton of depth there. We're a few weeks away towards that decision, hopefully we're in a position where we have to make some difficult decisions."

The skipper was also asked specifically about Mauricio, who is expected to play exclusively at third base during the Winter League, and he described the top prospect as a "special talent."

"This kid's got some special tools and his ability to play around the infield is a plus," he said. "We're still a few weeks away before we have to make a decision, but I like the versatility and the tools he brings, he's an exciting player."

On Gibbons

The Mets officially announced their full coaching staff for the season on Monday afternoon and among them is Gibbons, the new bench coach.

When asked about that process of picking Gibbons, Mendoza said that he first met the long-time coach in 2018 when he was still with the Blue Jays but didn’t have more than a casual interaction with him until the interview process began.

“We started talking to a lot of people and he was one of the candidates, one of the finalists, and we connected right away,” Mendoza said. “He’s a guy that, his ability to connect with people, to relate, great personality. Managed for a long time and he’s been with different teams if you wanna call it. Superstars, young guys and he’s got that ability to connect with people of different backgrounds, not only players, but coaches and front office people. And this was the case here and we’re pretty excited to have him.

“The experience, the knowledge of the game, we feel like he’s not only going to compliment myself, but the coaching staff, players, front office people and we’re excited to have him.”

On the DH situation

Mendoza said at this point in the offseason he isn't sure if the Mets' Opening Day designated hitter is on the roster. 

The DH spot was a bit of a hole for New York last season, though top prospect Mark Vientos was able to pick things up when given regular playing time later on in the campaign. 

When asked specifically about the 23-year-old as a potential DH option, Mendoza said he's open to everything and he's looking forward to getting to work with Vientos. 

"Those are some of the conversations that we're having," he said. "He's a young guy that's put himself in a position to compete for playing time. I'm excited to watch his growth and development not only as a hitter, but as a defender as well."