The Mets are expected to retain pitching coach Jeremy Hefner under new team manager Carlos Mendoza, according to a report from SNY’s Andy Martino. If Hefner does in fact return to the Mets in 2024, it will be his fifth season with the team, and the third manager he worked under, following stints with Luis Rojas in 2020 and 2021, and Buck Showalter in 2022 and 2023.
Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY
The 37-year-old Hefner has had ups and downs with his pitching staffs during his tenure in Queens, but remains a highly-regarded executive around the league. In 2023, the Mets’ staff struggled, pitching to only the 19th-ranked ERA in the majors. Hefner has seen mixed from younger pitchers the team has tried to develop such as David Peterson and Tylor Megill, but has has also had his fair share of success stories, such as helping Kodai Senga become a finalist for the National League Rookie of the Year in his first MLB season and helping transform Edwin Díaz into the most dominant closer in the game in 2022.
As for the rest of the Mets’ staff, Martino reports that third base coach Joey Cora has received interest from multiple clubs, but could be in the mix to join rejoin the staff next season. Bench coach Eric Chavez, who reportedly interviewed for the Yankees’ hitting coach position before it went to James Rowson, has a “murkier” future due to his ties to ex-Mets GM Billy Eppler, Martino reports. According to Martino, Mendoza is likely to seek a bench coach with MLB experience.
Despite Stearns and Mendoza coming in from outside the organization, it does not appear they are intent to completely clean house. In addition to Hefner, Martino reported earlier on Tuesday that the team was expected to keep Carlos Beltran in the organization as a special assistant.
