The New York Mets are reportedly in advanced talks to rehire former hitting coach Kevin Long for their 2027 coaching staff, a move that would see the veteran instructor return to the organization that last won a National League pennant with him. According to Mike Puma of the New York Post, Long scheduled an interview with the Mets during the same week he was officially released by the Philadelphia Phillies. This potential reunion represents a strategic “short reboot” for New York, which aims to return to the World Series for the first time since 2015 by leveraging Long’s proven track record in high-pressure postseason environments.
Long interviews with New York for 2027 role just days after being dropped by Philadelphia
Long’s departure from Philadelphia marks the end of a four-year tenure (2022-2026) as the Phillies’ hitting coach under manager Rob Thomson. Following Thomson’s dismissal in April, interim manager Don Mattingly took over and subsequently signed a two-year contract to lead the club. However, Mattingly chose not to retain Long, signaling a significant shift in the Phillies’ coaching philosophy. The timing of Long’s exit is particularly notable given that the Phillies recently hired Carlos Mendoza as their third-base and infielders’ coach, less than four months after Mendoza was fired from his managerial role with the Mets.
For the Mets, re-signing Long is a calculated risk to stabilize their offensive development after a disappointing 2024 season that ended with a 74-88 record and a last-place finish in the NL East. Long, 59, previously served as the Mets’ hitting coach from 2015 to 2017, a period that included the team’s 2015 NL pennant win. His experience with both the Yankees and Washington Nationals provides the Mets with a well-versed candidate who understands the nuances of the National League East. As New York looks to rebuild its competitive edge, bringing back a familiar face who has already contributed to their recent success could be the catalyst needed to restore their status as a perennial contender.
Source: Yahoo Sports
