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3 NY Mets players who could probably benefit from a Kevin Long hire

If he is brought back, Kevin Long could help these three Mets improve at the plate.
ByPat Ragazzo
Aug 7, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; New York Mets hitting coach Kevin Long (57) prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 7, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; New York Mets hitting coach Kevin Long (57) prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The New York Mets are set to meet with their former hitting coach Kevin Long on Tuesday about a position on their staff, according to Mike Puma of The New York Post. The Mets fired director of hitting Jeff Albert following the regular season, and Long could be the perfect fit to replace him, having been the team's hitting coach when they went to the World Series in 2015.

Long was fired by the Philadelphia Phillies last week after serving as their hitting coach for five seasons. However, the 59-year-old comes along with an impressive résumé, winning World Series titles with the Washington Nationals and New York Yankees. Long also has a close relationship with Mets superstar Juan Soto, who he coached when he was with the Nationals.

Beyond Soto, who is already an established mega star, Long could help these three Mets unlock more of their potential if he is brought back on board in Queens.

Hiring Kevin Long could give these Mets players a boost

Brett Baty

The Mets are still waiting on 2019 first-round draft pick, Brett Baty, to reach the next level in his career. Baty broke out in 2025 by posting a 3.0 bWAR in 130 games, and it looked like he was finally developing into the player they expected. However, he had a brutal first half this past season until a strong second half provided some hope. In 50 games after the All-Star break, Baty slashed .277/.345/.508 with a .853 OPS, seven home runs and 25 RBI. Long is known for helping hitters make mechanical adjustments and could've possibly assisted Baty in breaking out of his first half slump a lot sooner than he did. Long also has a reputation as a great communicator and his ability to connect with players could help Baty become the star that the Mets anticipated him to be.

A.J. Ewing

Mets center fielder A.J. Ewing had a solid rookie season, where he slashed .252/.324/.376 with a .700 OPS, 11 homers, 43 RBI, 25 stolen bases and a 3.1 bWAR. But Ewing had a horrific slump in the month of August, which brought down his impressive numbers. Luckily, he finished off the season well with a strong September. That being said, like Baty, Long could have likely helped minimize Ewing's slump. Ewing also unlocked some of his power in year-one with 11 homers, and Long, who has hitters focus on lifting the ball, could further improve the youngster's slugging by hitting less balls on the ground.

Jared Young

Lastly, we have utility man Jared Young who saw his playing time increase at the first base position in 2026. Young had a breakout season of his own, slashing .266/.330/.429 with a .759 OPS, nine homers and 39 RBI in 103 games. The only dilemma with Young is that he struggles mightily against lefties, hitting just .228 with a .606 OPS versus southpaws last season. For that, he's likely better suited as a bench/platoon player moving forward. But it's certainly possible that with Long's pedigree he can help Young improve against left-handed pitching. And similar to Ewing, the presence of Long could push Young to the next level if he lifts the ball in the air more.

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