The New York Mets are exploring the possibility of bringing an experienced face back to their coaching staff, with veteran hitting coach Kevin Long expected to meet with the organization to discuss a potential position. The meeting, scheduled for October 20, could open the door for a reunion between the two sides as the Mets continue preparing for the 2027 MLB season.
According to Mike Puma of the New York Post, the Mets and Long are expected to discuss whether there is a suitable role for the longtime hitting instructor within the organization. Long is no stranger to New York, having previously served as the club’s hitting coach from 2015 through 2017.
Although the exact position being discussed has not been confirmed, the circumstances surrounding the Mets’ coaching staff suggest that the director of hitting vacancy could be a logical destination. With Jeff Albert departing after four seasons in the role, New York has an opportunity to bring in an experienced coach who understands the demands of developing hitters at the major-league level.
Long’s extensive background, combined with his previous experience in Queens, makes him a name worth watching as the Mets consider their options.
Mets Could Have an Opening for Long in Their Hitting Department
The potential interview comes at a time when the Mets are dealing with an important change within their offensive coaching structure. Jeff Albert, who spent four years serving as the organization’s director of hitting, will not return for the 2027 campaign.
The position carries responsibilities beyond working directly with the major-league lineup. The director of hitting generally oversees the organization’s offensive philosophy and helps establish consistent approaches to hitting throughout the system.
That responsibility can involve working with major-league players, coordinating with coaches at different levels, and helping younger hitters develop the skills necessary to advance through the minor leagues.
Albert’s departure leaves New York with a significant position to fill, and Long could provide the experience needed to help guide the organization’s offensive development.
There is also a possibility that the Mets could use the position to accommodate more than one experienced hitting coach.
However, the organization has not publicly confirmed that Long is being considered specifically for the director of hitting position. The upcoming discussion should provide a clearer indication of what New York has in mind.
Troy Snitker’s Future Could Influence the Decision
One important factor in the situation is the expected return of Troy Snitker as the Mets’ hitting coach.
Snitker is anticipated to remain in the position for his second season, meaning Long would not necessarily be interviewing to replace him. Unless the Mets have changed their plans, the more likely scenario is that the organization is exploring an additional coaching role.
This distinction matters because the Mets could potentially retain Snitker while bringing Long into the organization in another capacity.
The director of hitting vacancy offers a possible solution. It would allow New York to add another experienced offensive instructor without necessarily disrupting the existing major-league coaching arrangement.
Having multiple experienced coaches could also give the organization greater flexibility when addressing its offensive needs.
Still, the final decision will depend on the Mets’ preferred coaching structure, the responsibilities attached to the available position, and whether both sides believe the arrangement would be beneficial.
Long only recently became available after the Philadelphia Phillies decided not to retain him, despite two years remaining on his contract. That development gives the Mets an opportunity to explore a reunion with a coach who has already spent several seasons working in their clubhouse.
Long Brings Two Decades of Major-League Experience
One of the strongest arguments in favor of hiring Long is his extensive experience across Major League Baseball.
The 59-year-old has spent the past 20 seasons working as a major-league hitting coach, building a résumé that includes some of the sport’s most recognizable organizations.
His coaching career during that period included the New York Yankees from 2007 through 2014, the Mets from 2015 through 2017, the Washington Nationals from 2018 through 2021, and the Phillies from 2022 through 2026.
Throughout those stops, Long worked with numerous hitters and contributed to offensive groups that produced impressive results.
His time with the Yankees was particularly memorable. Long was part of the coaching staff when New York captured the 2009 World Series championship, giving him valuable experience working with a team that reached the sport’s ultimate prize.
He also earned another championship ring with the Washington Nationals in 2019.
Those accomplishments give Long a level of postseason experience that could appeal to a Mets organization looking to strengthen its coaching department.
Beyond the championship success, his lengthy career means he has worked with hitters possessing different strengths, weaknesses, and approaches at the plate.
That experience could prove useful as the Mets evaluate their offensive direction heading into another competitive season.
Juan Soto Connection Could Strengthen the Case for a Reunion
Another factor potentially working in Long’s favor is his relationship with Juan Soto, one of the most prominent hitters associated with his coaching career in Washington.
Although none of the players from Long’s 2015–17 Mets teams remain on New York’s current roster, Soto provides a notable connection between Long’s previous coaching experience and the organization’s present-day lineup.
Long worked with Soto during their time together with the Nationals, and Mike Puma has reported that the two have a close relationship.
That familiarity could be an advantage if the Mets decide to bring Long back into the organization.
Strong relationships between coaches and players can contribute to effective communication, particularly when discussing adjustments at the plate, preparation routines, and approaches against opposing pitchers.
Soto is an established offensive talent, and having a coach familiar with his preferences and hitting philosophy could help facilitate productive conversations.
However, a potential reunion should not be viewed as confirmation that Long will be hired or that Soto has influenced the organization’s decision. The relationship is simply another consideration that could make Long an appealing candidate.
What Long Could Offer the Mets in 2027
The Mets have several reasons to evaluate their offensive coaching structure carefully as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Bringing in a coach with Long’s experience could provide additional knowledge, established methods, and a fresh perspective on the team’s hitting approach.
His familiarity with the Mets is another potential benefit. Having previously worked in Queens, Long understands the organization and the expectations surrounding the franchise.
At the same time, his experience with the Yankees, Nationals, and Phillies has exposed him to different clubhouse environments and offensive philosophies.
That combination could help him adapt to the Mets’ current needs while contributing ideas developed throughout his career.
If New York appoints him as director of hitting, his responsibilities could extend beyond the major-league lineup, depending on how the organization defines the position. Such a role could allow him to help establish offensive priorities throughout the club’s development system.
Nevertheless, the Mets must determine whether his experience fits their long-term plans and how his responsibilities would complement Snitker’s expected return.
Mets’ Interview Puts Long’s Next Move in Focus
For now, the planned meeting represents an opportunity for both sides to explore a possible working relationship.
Long’s recent departure from Philadelphia has made him available at a time when New York has an opening in its hitting department. His previous experience with the Mets, championship background, and relationship with Soto provide several reasons for the organization to consider him.
However, the outcome remains uncertain. The Mets have not confirmed a hiring decision, and the exact role under discussion has yet to be established publicly.
The possibility of retaining Snitker while adding Long would give the organization a way to combine continuity with additional experience.
Whether that approach becomes reality will depend on the discussions between Long and the Mets and the club’s broader plans for its coaching staff.
As the offseason continues, the situation is worth monitoring. Long could be heading toward another opportunity in New York, but the upcoming interview will be an important step in determining whether a reunion makes sense for both parties.
