Mets to Interview Kevin Long for Coaching Staff Role
The New York Mets are scheduled to meet with the veteran hitting coach on October 21, 2026, to discuss an open position.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Baseball
Live Poll
Do you prefer when your local sports team hires former coaches back to the staff?
The New York Mets will interview 59-year-old Kevin Long for a coaching staff position on October 21, 2026. Long enters discussions after recently parting ways with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Why it matters
The organization is seeking to fill the director of hitting vacancy created by Jeff Albert, who is moving on after a four-year tenure. The role is responsible for overseeing the offensive strategy for both the Major League club and the broader organization.
Kevin Long has served as a Major League hitting coach for 20 seasons, winning World Series titles with the 2009 Yankees and 2019 Nationals. He had two years remaining on his contract with the Phillies at the time of his departure.
The players
Kevin Long
He is a 59-year-old veteran Major League hitting coach who has worked with the Yankees, Mets, Nationals, and Phillies over two decades.
Jeff Albert
He is the outgoing director of hitting for the Mets who is vacating his position after four years with the club.
Troy Snitker
He is the current hitting coach for the New York Mets who is expected to return for his second season in the role.
Juan Soto
He is a prominent member of the current New York Mets roster.
The details
Long previously served as the hitting coach for the New York Mets from 2015 to 2017 and is expected to be a primary candidate for the director of hitting position. While the club looks to solidify its leadership, Troy Snitker is expected to return for his second year as the team hitting coach.
Timeline
2007-2014: Kevin Long served as hitting coach for the New York Yankees.
2015-2017: Long served as hitting coach for the New York Mets.
2018-2021: Long served as hitting coach for the Washington Nationals.
2022-2026: Long served as hitting coach for the Philadelphia Phillies.
October 21, 2026: The Mets and Kevin Long are scheduled to meet for an interview.
Season Trajectory
This move highlights a broader trend of teams prioritizing proven hitting instructors to maximize the production of star-studded rosters like New York. The potential hire follows a pattern of high-profile teams targeting coaches who achieved success in the 2019 World Series won by the Washington Nationals.
The addition of a new director of hitting could shift the offensive philosophy for players like Juan Soto and the rest of the lineup. If hired, Long would manage the transition of offensive strategy throughout the organization.
The takeaway
Kevin Long brings extensive experience from multiple major franchises to the New York Mets' coaching search. His potential hire would signal a direct shift in the club's strategy for developing its offensive approach.
Further reading
For more background on the organization, visit the New York City Baseball section.
Live Poll
Do you prefer when your local sports team hires former coaches back to the staff?
