BREAKING: The New York Mets are undergoing a significant overhaul of their coaching staff after a disappointing season, officially confirming the hiring of Kai Correa as the new bench coach and Jeff Albert as the lead hitting coach for the 2026 MLB season. This urgent update comes as the Mets aim to rebound after missing the postseason and finishing with a record of 83-79.
Sources report that Correa, who previously served as bench coach and interim manager for the San Francisco Giants, will be working closely with manager Carlos Mendoza. Correa’s extensive coaching experience includes playing a vital role in the Cleveland Guardians’ coaching staff since 2024. His addition marks a pivotal shift for the Mets, who are looking to revitalize their approach following a season where they started strong with a 45-24 record but faltered dramatically in the final months.
Albert, the Mets’ former director of hitter development, will take on the lead hitting coach role, stepping into uniform for the upcoming season. While Albert’s official title is yet to be defined, his contributions have been critical in rebuilding the Mets’ hitting prospects, which are currently regarded as the strongest the franchise has seen in years. Previously, Albert served as hitting coach for the St. Louis Cardinals and spent six years with the Houston Astros, where he collaborated closely with Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns.
The Mets are also expected to add another coach to assist Albert, following the firing of previous hitting coaches Jeremy Barnes and Eric Chavez. This revamp of the coaching staff comes in the wake of additional departures, including pitching coach Jeremy Hefner, bench coach John Gibbons, third-base coach Mike Sarbaugh, and catching coach Glenn Sherlock.
As the Mets set their sights on a stronger season, they retain key players such as outfielder Juan Soto, shortstop Francisco Lindor, and outfielder Brandon Nimmo. However, first baseman Pete Alonso has announced intentions to opt out of his contract, entering free agency for the second consecutive year, adding another layer of urgency to the Mets’ upcoming decisions.
News of Correa’s hiring was first reported by Pat Ragazzo, highlighting the immediate impact of these changes on the Mets’ strategy as they prepare for the next season. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how these new appointments will shape the team moving forward.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Mets continue to reshape their roster and coaching staff in anticipation of a successful 2026 season.
