Mets Revamp Coaching Staff Ahead of 2026 Season Under Carlos Mendoza

The New York Mets are entering the 2026 season with a refreshed coaching staff as part of a broader effort to improve after an 83-79 finish in 2025. Manager Carlos Mendoza described the offseason changes as some of the toughest decisions of his professional career.

Mendoza, entering his third year as manager, has overseen a team that has shown potential despite missing the playoffs. The front office and coaching staff reshuffle reflects the organization’s desire to build a more consistent, high-performing roster for the upcoming season.

Promotions and new hires span the hitting, pitching, and fielding areas. The team has made strategic adjustments to strengthen player development, in-game coaching, and overall organizational efficiency.

With Mendoza’s leadership at the core, the Mets hope these staff changes will provide the guidance needed to compete at a higher level in 2026 and beyond.

1. Hitting and Pitching Staff Overhaul

The Mets promoted Rafael Fernandez from left-handed hitting coach to assistant hitting coach and named Troy Sniker as the new hitting coach. Justin Willard takes over as pitching coach, with Dan McKinney stepping in as assistant pitching coach. Additional staff changes include J.P. Arencibia serving as catching coach, Gilbert Gomez overseeing first base and outfield responsibilities, and Tim Leiper managing third base and infield duties. Jeff Albert was promoted from hitting development director to the team’s hitting program director, consolidating player development under his guidance. These changes reflect a comprehensive approach to both the offensive and defensive sides of the game. Mendoza and the front office have emphasized aligning the coaching staff with the team’s long-term vision for success. The restructured staff is tasked with improving consistency at the plate, sharpening defensive execution, and providing mentorship to a roster that blends veteran talent with emerging players.

2. Mendoza’s Leadership and Track Record

Carlos Mendoza signed a three-year contract with the Mets in November 2023, with a club option for 2027, and will begin his third season in 2026. Despite missing the playoffs in 2025, he was retained due to his ability to turn the team around in 2024. In 2024, Mendoza guided the Mets to a 28-16 record in one-run games and led the team to the National League Championship Series, where they fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers. That season earned him third place in the National League Manager of the Year voting. Overall, Mendoza has achieved a .531 winning percentage, ranking him fifth among all managers in franchise history. His leadership and decision-making are considered critical factors in the Mets’ efforts to compete in a competitive National League East. Looking ahead, Mendoza and his revamped staff will be under pressure to translate offseason changes into on-field results and guide the Mets back to the playoffs.

3. Expectations for 2026

The coaching staff overhaul positions the Mets for a more focused and strategic approach to player development and in-game execution. Each new hire and promotion was designed to address areas of past underperformance and maximize the team’s talent. With Mendoza at the helm, supported by a skilled coaching group, the Mets aim to build a culture of accountability, consistency, and competitive excellence. The expectation is that these changes will lead to better results and a return to postseason contention. The 2026 season will test the effectiveness of these staff changes, but the organization’s proactive approach demonstrates a commitment to immediate improvement while building for long-term success. If the revamped staff performs as intended, the Mets could emerge as a stronger contender in the National League and a more balanced team across all phases of the game.