New York Mets part ways with manager Luis Rojas after two losing seasons

Oct. 4 (UPI) -- The New York Mets have moved on from manager Luis Rojas after back-to-back losing seasons.

The club declined its option on Rojas' contract for the 2022 MLB season, making the announcement a day after the team finished third in the National League East with a 77-85 record.

"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," Rojas said in a statement Monday. "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."

The Mets said Rojas has been offered the opportunity to remain with the franchise in a role still to be determined. The team also noted that decisions regarding the remainder of the coaching staff will be made over the next several days.

"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. "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."

In Rojas' first year at the helm, the Mets finished tied for last place in the NL East with a 26-34 mark during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.

Rojas was elevated to skipper in January 2020 as the replacement for Carlos Beltran, who was fired without managing a game for the Mets as part of the fallout from the Houston Astros' 2017 sign-stealing scandal.

The 40-year-old Rojas has worked in the Mets' organization since 2007 and spent eight years as a manager in the Minor Leagues.