The New York Mets finally have someone at the helm. They went the internal route and appointed quality control coach Luis Rojas as the team’s next manager. It will be, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, a multi-year contract.
The Mets were sold on Rojas for quite some time. They delayed things a bit, however, because they were reportedly convincing themselves to go into the season with someone with no managerial experience in the bigs and no prominent player career like the one Carlos Beltran had.
The New York Mets’ players loved the Rojas pick
The Mets universe, however, loved the team’s pick, and they went to Twitter and other social media outlets to express their happiness.
“Loved having Luis in ‘17 and ‘18 as my AA manager! It’s awesome playing under him and having him on staff last year as well!!! Super pumped to have him as the Jeffe. Also he throws some damn good bp #LFGM,†were the words of Pete Alonso, the Mets’ first baseman and reigning Rookie of the Year.
Loved having Luis in ‘17 and ‘18 as my AA manager! It’s awesome playing under him and having him on staff last year as well!!! Super pumped to have him as the Jeffe. Also he throws some damn good bp #LFGM https://t.co/SI8JgLzRId
— Pete Alonso (@Pete_Alonso20) January 22, 2020
Meanwhile, starter Marcus Stroman didn’t hide his joy. “LUIS ROJAS! Love love love it. Loved being around him on the bench last year. Always teaching and full of knowledge. Super laid back and brings nothing but great vibes each and every day. Beyond even keel. Excited even more for the year! @Mets.â€
LUIS ROJAS! Love love love it. Loved being around him on the bench last year. Always teaching and full of knowledge. Super laid back and brings nothing but great vibes each and every day. Beyond even keel. Excited even more for the year! @Mets
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) January 22, 2020
First baseman/outfielder Dominic Smith was more “visual†than “talkative:â€
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— DOMINIC SMITH (@TheRealSmith22) January 22, 2020
The media also had some interesting takes about Rojas
“The Mets have inadvertently hired a highly qualified manager,†Keith Law said, while Tim Heiman stated that “Luis has a spectacular ability to see things from other people’s perspective: Players, coaching staff, front office, media, fans, clubhouse staff. One of the most empathetic individuals in the game. He has the perfect mindset and temperament to succeed in this role.â€
Luis has a spectacular ability to see things from other people’s perspective: Players, coaching staff, front office, media, fans, clubhouse staff. One of the most empathetic individuals in the game.
He has the perfect mindset and temperament to succeed in this role. https://t.co/dX96bUDtHc
— Tim Heiman (@TimHeiman) January 22, 2020
Only time will tell if Rojas will have a successful stint as the manager of the New York Mets. He is, however, prepared for the role and the challenge of leading a major league team.