Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports that Joey Cora has met multiple times with the Mets and is seen as a strong candidate for their open bench coach position.
Cora, older brother of Red Sox manager Alex Cora, is currently the third base coach for the Pirates, a role he’s held for three seasons. He also serves as the club’s infield coach and was a manager in 2016 of their Double-A affiliate.
The former big leaguer began his coaching career as the manager of the Kingsport Mets in 2001. Mets fans might remember that team as the one where David Wright made his pro debut. Cora managed two seasons there before managing the Savannah Sand Gnats (Expos’ affiliate at the time) in 2003. The Expos GM at the time was Omar Minaya, current Mets special assistant to the GM.
Cora moved onto the White Sox – where he stayed for eight total seasons – three as the third base coach and five as the bench coach under Ozzie Guillen. He was the bench coach in 2012 for the Marlins, again under Guillen. The former first round pick also managed one season in the Venezuelan Winter League (2005) and was a GM for three seasons in the Puerto Rican Winter League.
Cora interviewed for the Mets managerial opening back in 2017 before they hired Mickey Callaway.
Fredi Gonzalez, Jerry Narron, and Hensley Meulens are the other known candidates for Mets’ bench coach.
