New York Mets Expected to Retain Pitching Coach Under Carlos Mendoza

The New York Mets are expected to retain their pitching coach under new manager Carlos Mendoza.

There could be a familiar face on the New York Mets' coaching staff next season.

According to SNY insider Andy Martino, the Mets are expected to retain pitching coach Jeremy Hefner under new manager Carlos Mendoza.

If Hefner does indeed return, this will be his fifth season as the Mets' pitching coach. Hefner served two years under Luis Rojas and two under Buck Showalter. Mendoza would be the third different manager he has worked under with the Mets.

Hefner, 37, has seen his pitching staffs shine and falter over the years. In 2023, the Mets finished with the 19th ranked ERA in baseball. Younger pitchers such as David Peterson and Tylor Megill have been inconsistent under Hefner's watch, but hurlers like Kodai Senga and Edwin Diaz have found major success.

As Martino went on to report, third base and infield coach Joey Cora has garnered interest from multiple teams, but could potentially return to the Mets' staff. Bench coach Eric Chavez interviewed for the New York Yankees' hitting coach vacancy, and has close to ties to ex-general manager Billy Eppler so he is less likely to return to Queens. President of baseball operations David Stearns is said to be looking for a bench coach with MLB experience.

Martino also reported that the Mets will be keeping Carlos Beltran as a special assistant to Stearns.