Speaking on a conference call with multiple reporters, Sandy Alderson said that hitting coach Kevin Long is expected to return to the Mets next season. However, as Alderson said, Long has expressed interest in a position other than hitting coach.
“Kevin Long has expressed an interest in interviewing for the manager position, and we will of course give that strong consideration,” Alderson said.
It remains to be seen whether or not Long would stay as hitting coach if not hired as the new manager.
Both Long and former Mets third baseman Robin Ventura are “early favorites” to manage the Mets next season. There has been much speculation surrounding who will be manager next season, so here is a list of 15 candidates we at MMO believe are likely.
While Long has no managing experience at the Major League level, he was successful in the minors. He made his professional managing debut with the Class-A Wilmington Blue Rocks in 1997 and was named the Northwest League’s co-Manager of the Year after leading the Spokane Indians to the league title in 1999.
