Luis Rojas out as manager, could stay with Mets in different role

The New York Mets ended a disappointing season at 77-85 with a whimper in a 5-0 loss at the Atlanta Braves on Sunday. 

On Monday, the Amazins announced news everyone expected. 

The Mets confirmed that they declined the 2022 option on the contract of manager Luis Rojas. Rojas could potentially stay with the club in a different role, and the team added decisions on the remaining coaches will be made "over the next several days."

In total, the Mets went 103-119 under Rojas and missed the playoffs in his two years in charge. Tim Britton of The Athletic previously reported the Mets likely wouldn't retain Rojas as manager, and Rojas hinted as much when speaking with reporters this past Thursday. 

"The entire Mets organization is grateful for the dedication and devotion that Luis has exhibited over the last two seasons as manager," team president Sandy Alderson said in the prepared statement. "He has shown a great commitment to the Mets over many years in multiple capacities. These decisions are never easy, but we feel a change is needed at this time."

Rojas commented: 

"I want to share such heartfelt gratitude to so many in the Mets organization for not only the last two seasons as manager, but for the last 16 years in a variety of roles. In each and every position I held, striving for excellence was our daily mission. I will always hold the relationships and friendships, developed over the years, dear to my heart, and am forever grateful to have been able to wear the Mets uniform for so long. We live in a results oriented business, and am deeply disappointed for our staff and fans that we didn’t reach our goals this season."

Slugger Pete Alonso told reporters Friday he loved playing for Rojas, but the manager ultimately was undone by the club's woeful performances over the second half of the season and injuries to key contributors, specifically ace Jacob deGrom, who didn't pitch after July 7 due to elbow issues.