NY Mets fans are ready to steal more than Kyle Schwarber from the Phillies

The firing of Eric Chavez and Jeremy Barnes will have New York Mets fans scouring a variety of names to replace the now former hitting coaches. Both familiar names and ones we’ve never seen before are sure to pop up among candidates.

Hitting coaches tend to get the blame (occasionally the credit) for when an offense is stifled. A team’s approach at the plate and the messaging from the coaches can be scapegoated or lauded depending on the results. The Mets’ inability to come through in the clutch with runners in scoring position and going winless when trailing after 8 innings this year was enough to make the hitting coaches expendable.

Fans, and executives, have already speculated about the possibility of going after Kyle Schwarber this offseason as a Pete Alonso alternative. Along with him, fans are eager to steal his hitting coach, Kevin Long.

Mets fans are ready to steal Kevin Long along with Kyle Schwarber

A story by John Harper on SNY covered some insight into what scouts believe the Mets could possibly do this offseason to replace Alonso’s power in the lineup while adding an established and respected veteran. Schwarber has become one of the best power hitters in the league since joining Philadelphia. His 56 home runs and 132 RBI led the National League in 2025.

It wasn’t all his work with Long, but don’t tell that to Mets fans hoping to snatch both. It’s difficult to fully comprehend all that goes into being a hitting coach. For Long, his resume speaks volumes.

He was there with the 2009 New York Yankees and a decade later with the 2019 Washington Nationals. He was present for the 2015 Mets’ run to the World Series with Daniel Murphy being the most noteworthy player he helped turn into a star player.

When it comes to coaching hires, the average fan doesn’t know best. But if you’re someone hoping for a reunion with Long, you’re not alone. Other fanbases would like to see him employed by their team, too.

The biggest challenge will be convincing Long to come back. Once a candidate to become Mets manager prior to the hiring of Mickey Callaway, it would be another one of those small jabs at the previous ownership that regularly made bad decisions.

Good luck prying him away from the Phillies. Championship or not, there’s little reason for them to let him go, especially when the Mets are on the prowl.