New York Mets Promote Jeff Albert to Lead Hitting Coach

NEW YORK, NY — The New York Mets have named Jeff Albert as their new lead hitting instructor for the upcoming 2026 season, following a disappointing year in which the team fell short of postseason aspirations.

Albert, who has served as the Mets’ director of hitting development since 2023, is set to take over the role previously held by co-hitting coaches Jeremy Barnes and Eric Chavez, who were let go after the 2025 season. Albert’s promotion was confirmed by multiple league sources.

Last year, Albert spent time with the major-league team, especially during September, as the minor-league season concluded. His experience as the former hitting coach for the St. Louis Cardinals adds credibility to his new position. He played a pivotal role in developing Mets’ top hitting prospects, including Brett Baty and Francisco Alvarez.

Mets senior vice president for player development Andy Green praised Albert, saying he is “as bright as anybody in the game when it comes to hitting.” Albert is known for his ability to simplify complex hitting concepts for players.

The Mets are also planning to hire an additional hitting coach to support Albert. As the team looks to improve offensive consistency, they will rely on Albert’s expertise to maximize the potential of both veteran players and emerging talent.

In 2025, the Mets finished the season with a record of 83-79, missing the playoffs despite having a strong lineup statistically. Players like Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor are expected to remain key figures in the team’s offensive strategy.

Along with Albert’s promotion, Kai Correa has been appointed as the new bench coach, succeeding John Gibbons. Correa brings experience from previous roles with the San Francisco Giants and the Cleveland Guardians.

Albert, a native of Rochester, New York, aims to foster a competitive hitting environment as the Mets gear up for the 2026 season. With several coaching vacancies still to fill, including pitching and third-base coaches, the Mets are focused on rebuilding their staff to support manager Carlos Mendoza.