Mets Manager Carlos Mendoza Draws High Praise From Yankees' Superstar

New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza, who previously served as Yankees bench coach, drew high praise from superstar Aaron Judge.

Jul 27, 2024; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza (64) in the dugout before a game against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The New York Mets continued their torrid pace by dismantling the Philadelphia Phillies in four games in the NLDS, putting them four wins shy of their first World Series appearance since 2015.

The New York Yankees are also a series victory away from the Fall Classic after taking down the Kansas City Royals in the ALDS. Should both the Mets and Yankees advance, the cross-town rivals would face each other in the World Series for the second time in MLB history. Their first meeting came back in 2000, which saw Derek Jeter and the Yankees knock off the Mets in five games.

Yankees captain and AL MVP favorite Aaron Judge gave his thoughts about the Mets and a potential subway series. Specifically, he had high praise for Mets manager Carlos Mendoza.

When asked about the atmosphere in New York given that both the Yankees (ALCS) and Mets (NLCS) are in the championship series in their respective leagues, Judge told reporters, "It's going to be exciting" and discussed the "incredible" season that the Mets have had under Mendoza in his first year as a major league manager.

"It's gonna be fun to look forward to down the road getting a chance to face them again"

Aaron Judge was asked about the atmosphere in New York with both the Yankees and Mets in the ALCS & NLCS, and discussed the "incredible" season the Mets have had under Carlos Mendoza pic.twitter.com/4GNQyg6w9S

— SNY (@SNYtv) October 11, 2024

Judge credited Mendoza's leadership and ability to prepare players while he was the Yankees' bench coach from 2020-2023. The preparation has shown with the Mets repeatedly coming from behind in pressure situations late in games, particularly in the second half of the season and playoffs.

The Mets had the upper hand against the Yankees this season, sweeping a pair of two-game series by a combined total of 36-14. Judge is looking forward to the potential rematch in the Fall Classic, as the Yankees seek their first World Series title since 2009.