David Stearns insists he still has Steve Cohen’s support after Mets’ Carlos Mendoza firing - New York Post

David Stearns addressed questions about his job security and his relationship with Mets owner Steve Cohen at a press conference following the team's decision to fire manager Carlos Mendoza during the 2026 season. Despite the managerial termination, Stearns emphasized that he continues to retain Cohen's support and that his role as President of Baseball Operations remains intact.

According to publisher sources and institutional commentary, Cohen has provided Stearns with explicit assurances about job security, demonstrating the owner's confidence in the front office leadership. This backing comes despite the team's disappointing early-season performance that ultimately prompted the managerial change. Stearns indicated that the Mets organization does not view fundamental structural problems requiring broader leadership changes, positioning the Mendoza firing as an isolated personnel decision rather than a broader indictment of front office strategy.

At the press conference, Stearns stated he does not believe anything requires significant fixing within the organization's core framework. Instead, the focus remains on optimizing performance from the existing roster of players, suggesting the front office's priority is execution and player development rather than major roster reconstruction. This messaging appears designed to project stability and continuity to stakeholders during a period of on-field underperformance.

The narrative underscores a distinction between managerial accountability and front office credibility—Cohen's retention of Stearns signals confidence in the long-term strategic direction established when the owner hired Stearns in 2023 following a multiyear recruitment effort. The owner's decision to separate the managerial change from broader leadership turnover suggests he continues to support Stearns' vision for the franchise despite near-term competitive setbacks.