Kevin Long, just fired by the Philadelphia Phillies, is already eyeing a return to the New York Mets, the team he previously helped win a National League pennant. The Mets, who finished last in the NL East with a disappointing 74-88 record this season and missed the postseason, are reportedly turning to Long for a potential “short reboot” to get back to the World Series for the first time since 2015. Long has scheduled an interview with the Mets for a spot on their 2027 coaching staff, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post.
The Prodigal Hitting Coach’s Return?
Long’s history with the Mets is undeniable. He served as their hitting coach from 2015-17, a tenure that included their memorable 2015 pennant run. Under his guidance, the 2016 Mets club mashed a franchise-record 218 home runs. It’s clear the Mets are hoping to recapture that magic, believing Long could be the catalyst to reignite their offense and propel them out of the NL East cellar. This isn’t just a casual interview; this is a clear signal the Mets are serious about making a significant change after their rough 2026 season.
From Fired to Sought-After: Long’s Impressive Resume
Long’s firing from the Phillies, who employed him as hitting coach from 2022-26, came in a week of significant staff shake-ups. Phillies manager Rob Thomson was fired in April, replaced on an interim basis by bench coach Don Mattingly, who then signed a two-year contract. Long was not retained as part of Mattingly’s new staff. Despite his recent dismissal, Long’s track record speaks volumes. He has reached the World Series as a hitting coach with four different clubs: the Yankees (2009), the Mets (2015), the Nationals (2019), and the Phillies (2022). Even though the Phillies haven’t returned to the World Series since, their lineup thrived under him, slugging 220 home runs in 2023, the second-most in club history, and setting a franchise record with six different players hitting at least 20 dingers that season. Earlier in his career, the Yankees also led MLB in home runs (1,584) and RBIs (6,206) from 2007-14 under Long, while ranking second in runs (6,485). It’s easy to see why the Mets are interested, despite the recent Phillies exit.
Adding another layer of irony to this coaching carousel, Carlos Mendoza, who was fired from his managerial job with the Mets less than four months ago, was just named the Phillies’ third-base and infielders’ coach last Thursday. It really is a full-circle kind of week in the National League.
The Mets are clearly looking for a jolt. Bringing Long back, a coach with a proven history of offensive success and World Series appearances, could be exactly what they need heading into the 2027 season. The stakes are high, and the Mets are clearly ready to make big moves to reverse their recent fortunes.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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