Report: Mets to Meet with Ex-Hitting Coach About Possible Reunion
· Yahoo Sports
In a search for a new hitting coach, the New York Mets are set to meet and interview Kevin Long on Tuesday for a role on the coaching staff, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post. There is a real possibility the club does in fact reunite with Long, as the two have history with each other.
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May 3, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Philadelphia Phillies center fielder Brandon Marsh (16) speaks with hitting coach Kevin Long (53) before hitting against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the eighth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY SportsReport: Kevin Long, Mets Set to Meet in Possible Reunion
The Mets hired Long ahead of the 2015 season as their hitting coach, and he helped guide them to a National League pennant. The 59-year-old served in that role from 2015 to 2017 and subsequently left after he got passed over for the managerial opening prior to the 2018 season.
Kevin Long is scheduled to speak with the Mets tomorrow about a coaching staff position, per source. Long was fired as Phillies hitting coach last week. He was Mets hitting coach the last time the team reached the World Series. He is close with Juan Soto from Nats days.
— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) October 19, 2026
On Oct. 6, the Mets announced three coaches would not return to the coaching staff in 2027 — including director of major league hitting Jeff Albert, quality assurance coach Danny Barnes and batting practice pitcher Kevin Mahoney — leaving three vacancies for New York to fill. While all three coaches were told they would not return to the same roles, the Mets are leaving the possibility for them to return in different roles, according to SNY.
Long’s 20-year hitting coach career began with the New York Yankees in 2007, and he spent seven seasons in the Bronx, winning the World Series in 2009. After his contract expired with the Mets, Long was hired by the Washington Nationals and won his second World Series with them in 2019. After spending four years in Washington, Long went to Philadelphia. After another set of four years with a team in the NL East, the Phillies fired Long despite having him under contract through 2028.
A Connection With a Mets Superstar
During his time with the Nationals. Long worked with a young Juan Soto, and the two managed to build a relationship that has lasted beyond both of their times in D.C. Long returning to the Mets would give Soto a sense of comfort to know a hitting coach he has good ties with is back.
While Albert departed, Troy Snitker, the current hitting coach, is expected to stay. The question is what responsibilities Long would take on and how the club would divide their hitting instruction, if indeed Long is interviewed for the hitting coach position.
The change to the coaching staff this year compared to last year’s is considered minor. That offseason, the Mets had an entire staff overhaul. Jeremy, Hefner, Jeremy Barnes, Eric Chavez, Antoan Richardson, Mike Sarbough, John Gibbons and Glenn Sherlock were among the names that did not return for 2026. Carlos Mendoza, who was recently hired by the Phillies as their infield and third base coach, was let go as manager by President of Baseball Operations David Stearns in late June and replaced by Andy Green.
The Last Word
A reunion with Long would give the Mets an experienced and respected voice as they look to improve offensively in 2027. That is one area the Mets certainly need to work on as they look to break a two-year postseason drought. For now, the meeting offers both sides a chance to see whether a second stint in Queens is a good fit.
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