NEW YORK — It was Aug. 16th of this year.
Andy Green told this reporter that he was going to transition from being the New York Mets’ interim manager and returning to the role of senior vice president of player development, a position he had before replacing Carlos Mendoza as the skipper on June 26. Green said he wanted to spend more time with his wife, Jessica, and three daughters.
“When I came into this role (as manager), I came in with the expectation that I would transition back to my old role,” Green told me then. “I wouldn’t point in any other direction. So for [almost] two months, I’m locked in on making this as good as possible.”
After conversations with his family in recent weeks, Green changed his mind.
The Mets announced on Tuesday that they have named Green the 26th manager in team history, agreeing to a three-year contract. When Green took over as the skipper, the Mets were 34-47. Entering Tuesday’s action against the Rangers, New York were competitive under Green, going 37-38.
“Andy has connected with and pushed our players to perform, despite the disappointment of the season,” Mets owners Steve and Alex Cohen said in a statement. “Over the last several months he has brought discipline, accountability and positivity to the clubhouse, attributes we were seeking in our next manager. We want to congratulate Andy, his wife, Jessica, and their three daughters. We are excited for his continued leadership in the dugout.”
Green’s family noticed the passion he had for managing in the dugout. This is Green’s second full-time job as manager. He previously managed the San Diego Padres from 2016-19, guiding the club to a 274-366 (.428) record.
Andy Green speaks out after being named Mets manager
“It’s been amazing to have (my family) not just be OK with this, but encouraged me to do this. … They have seen my passion rise,” Green said in the Zoom call with reporters.
“Above anything else, it’s right to acknowledge the players in that clubhouse because they rekindled in me a love that I have for being in the dugout. I enjoyed believing in them, encouraging them and challenging them. At times, holding them accountable and being a mirror for them, so they can see themselves for what they are doing. I’ve been grateful to them for how they have responded. They certainly know we have not met a level of expectation in a win-loss capacity. I’m excited to go forward with that group. I have a ton of belief in that group and what we can do together.”
Green joined the Mets in 2023 and served three-plus seasons in the minor leagues and helped play a role in the development of current major league players such as Carson Benge, A.J. Ewing and Nolan McLean.
All quotations obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.
