The New York Mets are shaking up their coaching staff after falling short of the postseason despite fielding baseball’s most expensive roster.
Manager Carlos Mendoza will return in 2025, but several coaches are out, the team announced Friday. Pitching coach Jeremy Hefner, hitting coaches Jeremy Barnes and Eric Chavez, and third base coach Mike Sarbaugh will not be back. Bench coach John Gibbons has resigned, while longtime catching coach Glenn Sherlock is retiring.
Hefner’s dismissal comes despite progress from some pitchers. Left-hander David Peterson delivered a breakout season in 2024 with 10 wins and a 2.90 ERA. Sean Manaea matched his career high with 12 victories last year, but his ERA climbed to 5.64 in 15 appearances this season after a strong 2024.
Pitching and defense were glaring issues for the Mets, who collapsed after a 45-24 start and stumbled to a 38-55 finish over their final 93 games. The lineup also underwhelmed, even after adding superstar Juan Soto on a record $765 million, 15-year deal that helped push payroll to $429 million, plus luxury tax.
Team president David Stearns said this week that Mendoza’s status was secure, while other coaches would be evaluated. Assistant pitching coach Desi Druschel and bullpen coach José Rosado have permission to pursue opportunities elsewhere. First base coach Antoan Richardson, strategy coach Danny Barnes, and assistant Rafael Fernandez are expected to return.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].