The worst kept secret is now official, Luis Rojas will return as Mets manager in 2021.
The news was confirmed by Mets President Sandy Alderson, who alluded to Rojas' return two weeks ago when he and owner Steve Cohen spoke to the media for the first time.
Rojas took over the Mets job in January when the Mets fired Carlos Beltran after Beltran's involvement in the Houston Astros sign stealing scandal came to light. Rojas was going to be an assistant on Beltran's staff.
As skipper, the Mets went 26-34 during a COVID-shortened season in 2020 under Rojas. It was a rather nondescript season for the rookie manager, as the Mets struggled to stay in the mix in the crowded NL East for much of the season. The only real standout from the past year was Designated Hitter Dom Smith, who hit .316 with 10 homers and 42 RBI and was the Mets Most Valuable Player.
Alderson and Rojas are not strangers having known one another for several years when Rojas was a manager in the Mets farm system, when Alderson was the General Manager of the Big League club.
Rojas will get a full season to prove his worth as manager going forward.
Meanwhile, Alderson told the press that he will try to hire a General Manager this winter, and will look for a President of Baseball Operations next year. Instead Alderson will assume both Team President and Baseball Ops roles as he fills out the front office staff to his liking. Once Alderson has a GM in place, he will work with that individual to being crafting a roster.
If anything, Alderson's announcement on the front office should quiet any rumors about Theo Epstein, who stepped down as Chicago Cubs President of Baseball Operations a week ago.
The new President of Baseball Ops will allow Alderson to take a slight back seat next year in 2022.
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