1 offseason target each newly hired NY Mets coach might want to reunite with

The New York Mets coaching staff will look a lot different in 2026. Other than Carlos Mendoza, leadership in the dugout has drastically changed. They have a new bench coach, two new hitting coaches, and a pitching coach. We know all walks of life require networking. In previous positions, these four have run into multiple players who will be available this offseason.

Let’s say they all grab the year of David Stearns and make a pitch. Exactly who might they believe is a good match for the Mets?

Kai Correa - Donovan Solano

With some of the other coaches, it’s a little easier to understand the relationship. A hitting coach has the position players. The pitching coach has arms. What about a guy who worked as a bench coach and infield instructor? We’ll probably have to limit any Kai Correa desires to players who dug their heels in on the infield dirt rather than the outfield grass.

Time spent with the San Francisco Giants for several seasons and the Cleveland Guardians last year, we don’t find a whole of truly remarkable Mets matches.

One not-so-great option is Donovan Solano. The well-traveled utility man had one of his best offensive seasons in 2021 with the Giants. A versatile defender who has transitioned into playing a lot more first base, perhaps he’s an affordable player to have on the bench and late-inning defensive replacement at first base for Pete Alonso.

The average Mets fan doesn’t much care about Alonso’s defense being a hindrance when it comes to signing him long-term. The trouble is having a suitable enough option on the club who can play the position well enough. Solano has the power of a middle infielder and the fading defensive abilities of someone about to turn 38.

Seemingly not worth anything more than a split contract at the most with a high minor league salary, he also happens to be someone Mendoza might be familiar with. Their paths likely crossed at some point in 2016-2017 when Solano was in the minor leagues for the New York Yankees.

If there is one positive from his 2025 season it’s how well he hit righties. A .343/.397/.471 slash line in 78 plate appearances is hard to overlook completely. Put him in Syracuse and see if a time comes when he's needed.