Mets Interview Candidates for Hitting Coach Position

The team is evaluating potential new staff members to join their hitting department for the upcoming season.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Baseball

Mets Interview Candidates for Hitting Coach Position

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The New York Mets are actively interviewing candidates to fill a hitting coach position within their organization. The team is currently considering John Mallee, who previously served as an assistant hitting coach for the Chicago Cubs, as they refine their coaching staff.

Why it matters

The organization is looking to bolster its hitting strategy after director of hitting Jeff Albert expressed he is not expected to return. The Mets are particularly intrigued by John Mallee’s track record in player development.

John Mallee's work included helping Pete Crow-Armstrong increase his walk rate from 4.5% in 2025 to 11.4% in 2026. During that same period, Crow-Armstrong saw his home run total jump from 31 to 45 with a wRC+ of 157.

The players

John Mallee

He is a professional baseball coach who has held multiple hitting instructor roles in Major League Baseball.

New York Mets

They are a professional baseball team competing in the National League East division.

Kevin Long

He is an experienced professional baseball hitting coach who has served on several major league coaching staffs.

Chicago Cubs

They are a professional baseball team that competes in the National League Central division.

The details

While the Mets are interviewing multiple candidates, including Kevin Long, for the open role, they continue to plan for the return of Troy Snitker and Rafael Fernandez next year. The search highlights the team's commitment to improving offensive production following the 2026 season.

John Mallee served as Cubs hitting coach from 2015 to 2017.
John Mallee returned to the Chicago organization as a Triple-A coach in 2023.
John Mallee held the position of assistant hitting coach for the Cubs from 2024 through 2026.
Troy Snitker, Rafael Fernandez, and Jeff Albert were employed by the Mets in 2026.

Season Trajectory

This coaching search significantly impacts the Mets' offensive approach and long-term roster development strategy. By seeking a new hitting coach, the team aims to improve its competitiveness within the division for the upcoming season.

The addition of a new hitting coach may lead to changes in team offensive production and individual player performance statistics. These coaching decisions directly influence how the team approaches situational hitting and potential fantasy projections for key hitters.

The takeaway

The team’s search for new coaching talent signals a shift toward prioritizing player development and refined offensive metrics. Fans should watch for how the new hire influences player plate discipline and power production in the coming season.