After a disappointing season once again and failing to make the postseason, it is time for some structural changes for the New York Mets organization. Steve Cohen, the owner of the New York Mets has allowed much of his coaching staff the opportunity to interview with other major league employers. The news started once they decided not to pick up manager Luis Rojas’ contract for next season. But, where do the Mets go from here?
According to the organization, they will retain Jeremy Hefner. Hefner stepped into the role in 2020 and the pitching has been very effective in Queens. Coaching pitchers like Jacob deGrom, Marcus Stroman, Tylor Megill, Taijuan Walker, and others, Hefner has helped these pitchers to resurge their careers in New York. He played as part of the Mets organization from 2012-13. Hefner could have a bigger role on the coaching staff come 2022.
The New York Daily News reported that hitting coaches Hugh Quattlebaum and Kevin Howard will both return to the Mets organization, but to coach in minor league roles. After poor performances for the Mets offense to get going, they will try an alternative person to help provide helpful advice for their lineup. The Mets in 2021 hit for an average of .238 as a team and only averages 3.93 runs per game. One question is; who could help to fill this void at hitting coach?
The Mets are ready for a new skipper to take the dugout after a shaky 2021 season with Luis Rojas. Rojas held a 103-119 record as the Mets manager, failing to make postseason appearances in both seasons. With the possibility of the Mets in talks with Billy Beane, it could be potential to see Bob Melvin get a shot. Melvin is currently on his last year of contract with the Oakland Athletics. If Beane was to head over to New York to be President of Baseball Operations, would he consider bringing Bob Melvin with him?
Some of the possibilities are endless and the predictions are flying in. It is also worth mentioning the Mets could even decide to re-hire Carlos Beltran to manage their ball club. Beltran was originally hired to manage the team in 2020. Due to the sign-stealing investigations, the Mets and Beltran mutually agreed to part ways. Now, we have seen both A.J. Hinch get another shot with the Detroit Tigers and the Boston Red Sox giving Cora another chance. It would only seem right to give Beltran a shot, even if he becomes the bench coach.
Other names that could potentially be in the running for Mets skipper could include Joe Espada, Mark Kotsay, Buck Showalter, Bruce Bochy (if he comes out of retirement), recently let-go Jayce Tingler, Brad Ausmus, Ron Washington, John Gibbons, Paul Molitor, and the list continues. Figuring out the rest of the coaching staff usually becomes easier once a manager is hired. It could be a long offseason for the Mets to make a decision right away, as making sure they get the right person is super important for this team.
As the search for a manager continues, and the MLB Postseason just getting underway, some of the current coaches could be preparing to make their next steps for new organizations. Mets fans, buckle up because it’s going to be a long offseason filled with many hopes and expectations.
