Mets Shake Up Coaching Staff, Hire Kai Correa and Jeff Albert

UPDATE: The New York Mets are undergoing a significant coaching overhaul following their disappointing season, just missing the postseason. Sources confirm that the Mets have officially named Kai Correa as their new bench coach and Jeff Albert as the lead hitting coach for 2026.

Correa, who previously served as a bench coach and interim manager in San Francisco, will work closely with manager Carlos Mendoza. His experience with Cleveland’s coaching staff since 2024 positions him as a key asset in revamping the Mets’ performance.

In tandem, Albert, who has been the Mets’ director of hitter development since November 2022, takes on his new role after a successful tenure with the St. Louis Cardinals and six years with the Houston Astros. His appointment reflects the team’s commitment to strengthening their batting lineup, which finished 10th in Major League Baseball for runs scored this past season.

This move comes on the heels of the Mets’ disappointing finish, where they plummeted from a strong 45-24 start to an overall record of 83-79, losing a critical tiebreaker against the Cincinnati Reds for the final National League wild card spot. The Mets have also parted ways with several coaches, including hitting coaches Jeremy Barnes and Eric Chavez, as part of a broader staff revamp aimed at revitalizing their performance.

As the Mets look to rebuild for next season, they plan to introduce another coach to support Albert. The anticipated additions aim to enhance a roster that retains star players like outfielder Juan Soto, shortstop Francisco Lindor, and outfielder Brandon Nimmo. However, first baseman Pete Alonso has indicated he will opt out of his contract, entering free agency for the second consecutive season.

The announcement of Correa’s hiring was first reported by Pat Ragazzo, marking a pivotal moment as the Mets aim to return to playoff contention. Fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring the team’s next moves as they prepare for what promises to be a critical offseason.

Stay tuned for further updates on the Mets’ restructuring efforts as they seek to rebound from this season’s disappointment.