Mets are not retaining hitting coach Pat Roessler, plus other coaching changes

Roessler took over for Kevin Long prior to the 2018 season

11/5/2018, 6:29 PM
Mar 12, 2017; Lakeland, FL, USA; New York Mets assistant hitting coach Pat Roessler (6) walks to the dugout during pre game warmups of an MLB spring training baseball game against the Detroit Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports / Reinhold Matay
Mar 12, 2017; Lakeland, FL, USA; New York Mets assistant hitting coach Pat Roessler (6) walks to the dugout during pre game warmups of an MLB spring training baseball game against the Detroit Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports / Reinhold Matay

The Mets will not be retaining hitting coach Pat Roessler for the 2019 season, SNY's Andy Martino confirmed. 

While the 58-year-old Roessler is out, assistant hitting coach Tom Slater is expected to return in the same role, while bullpen coach Ricky Bones will be reassigned within the organization.

The Mets are also discussing first base and bench coach and may make a few more tweaks or reassignments, which could include Mets Hall of Famer John Franco taking on a larger role within the organization.

Speaking on WFAN with Mike Francesa after last week's introductory press conference, new GM Brodie Van Wagenen said the team was in the process of evaluating the coaching staff and would not reveal the future of anyone on the staff.

Roessler was the Mets' assistant hitting coach from 2015-2017, and took over the main job for the 2018 season after Kevin Long left to join the Nationals coaching staff. 

The Mets were among the worst offensive teams in baseball last season, with their team batting average (.234), on base percentage (.312), and slugging percentage (.389) all ranking in the bottom third of all teams. Serious injuries to Yoenis Cespedes and Jay Bruce didn't help, but the overall production was brutal. 

Some bright spots were Brandon Nimmo and the second half performances of Michael Conforto, Jeff McNeil (after his call-up), and -- to a lesser extent -- Amed Rosario.

Roessler is also well-respected by the Yankees and could find himself back in the Bronx, where he was director of player development from 2005-14. 

Current bench coach Gary Disarcina could be replaced by someone with experience managing in the National League - something SNY.tv contributor John Harper recently suggested. >> READ MORE

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