The New York Mets are beginning their offseason with a significant overhaul of their coaching staff, following a season that ended in bitter disappointment. After a promising start, a catastrophic second-half collapse saw the team plummet out of playoff contention, prompting President of Baseball Operations David Stearns to take decisive action. The sweeping changes signal a clear rejection of the status quo and a commitment to forging a new path forward for a team that dramatically underperformed against lofty expectations.
The 2025 season will be remembered as a tale of two halves. The Mets’ pitching, once a reliable strength, faltered badly down the stretch, while the offense remained inconsistent and failed to deliver in crucial moments. This comprehensive failure led to an internal review that has, so far, resulted in the departure of six members of manager Carlos Mendoza’s staff, including several key figures responsible for the team’s on-field strategy and player development.
John Gibbons, bench coach
John Gibbons, who served as Carlos Mendoza’s right-hand man, will not return as bench coach in 2026 after deciding to leave the team. While the departure is part of the larger staff shakeup, it was reportedly Gibbons’ own decision to step away from the role. The veteran baseball mind, with previous managerial experience with the Toronto Blue Jays, was brought in to provide a steadying presence in the dugout. According to Mets insider Andy Martino, Gibbons is not retiring from baseball, suggesting he may seek opportunities elsewhere.
Jeremy Hefner, pitching coach
Perhaps the most surprising departure is that of pitching coach Jeremy Hefner. Widely respected across the league for his analytical approach, Hefner had overseen several successful seasons for the Mets’ pitching staff since his hiring. However, he could not escape accountability for the pitching corps’ disastrous second half in 2025. The staff’s ERA ballooned after the All-Star break, and key arms failed to perform to their standards. While Hefner is likely to land on his feet elsewhere, the Mets’ complete pitching meltdown made his position untenable.
Eric Chavez, hitting coach
Hitting coach Eric Chavez will not be back after overseeing an offense that failed to find consistency throughout the season. The Mets lineup was frequently plagued by an inability to deliver with runners in scoring position and saw several key players endure prolonged slumps at the plate. As the leader of the hitting department, Chavez bears a significant portion of the responsibility for the team’s offensive shortcomings. His departure signals a clear move by David Stearns to install a new hitting philosophy in the organization.
Jeremy Barnes, assistant hitting coach
Assistant hitting coach Jeremy Barnes is also departing as part of the offensive overhaul. Working alongside Chavez, Barnes was involved in the day-to-day preparation and development of the team’s hitters. With the entire hitting brain trust being replaced, Barnes’ exit was expected. The decision to remove both coaches underscores the front office’s deep dissatisfaction with the offensive results in 2025 and their commitment to a complete reset in that area.
Mike Sarbaugh, third base coach
Mike Sarbaugh’s departure as the third base coach points to a desire for a change in on-field decision-making. Third base coaches are often scrutinized for their judgment on sending runners, and the Mets’ base-running was not a notable strength. This change is part of a holistic effort to tighten up all facets of the team’s execution, including fundamentals on the basepaths.
Glenn Sherlock, catching and strategy coach
After a long and respected career in professional baseball, veteran coach Glenn Sherlock will be retiring. A fixture on the Mets’ staff for years under multiple managers, Sherlock was known for his work with the team’s catchers and his contributions to overall strategy. His departure marks the end of an era for the organization, as one of its most tenured and experienced coaches steps away from the game.
