Mets Announce Major Coaching Changes Amid Playoff Disappointment

UPDATE: The New York Mets are undergoing a significant coaching overhaul following their disappointing season, with the announcement of new key staff members just confirmed by sources to ESPN.

Kai Correa has been named the team’s new bench coach, stepping in to support manager Carlos Mendoza. Correa joins the Mets after serving as bench coach and interim manager for the San Francisco Giants and contributing to the Cleveland Guardians coaching staff since 2024. His hiring is a critical move for a team looking to regain momentum after missing the postseason.

In addition, Jeff Albert, previously the Mets’ director of hitter development, will take on the role of lead hitting coach starting in 2026. Albert has a robust background, having formerly served as the hitting coach for the St. Louis Cardinals and spent six years with the Houston Astros. This strategic shift aims to improve the Mets’ offensive performance, which ranked just 10th in Major League Baseball for runs scored last season.

The Mets are also reportedly looking to hire another coach to assist Albert, following the recent firings of several key staff members, including hitting coaches Jeremy Barnes and Eric Chavez, as well as pitching coach Jeremy Hefner and bench coach John Gibbons. This staff revamp reflects the team’s urgent desire for improvement after a tumultuous season that saw them finish with a record of 83-79, narrowly missing a playoff spot after a tiebreaker loss to the Cincinnati Reds.

The Mets started strong with a remarkable 45-24 record but struggled significantly over the last three and a half months of the season. The team retains most of its core, including outfielder Juan Soto, shortstop Francisco Lindor, and outfielder Brandon Nimmo. However, first baseman Pete Alonso has indicated he plans to opt out of his contract, making him a free agent for the second consecutive year.

As the Mets make these critical changes, fans are eager to see how the new coaching staff will impact the team’s performance in the upcoming season. With high expectations and a strong roster, the Mets are determined to turn their fortunes around. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.