Jeff Albert won’t return to Mets coaching staff for 2027 season

The New York Mets have confirmed that director of hitting Jeff Albert and quality assurance coach Danny Barnes will not be part of the organization’s major league coaching staff in 2027. Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, who first reported the changes, notes that both coaches are free to explore opportunities elsewhere, though it remains possible they could resurface in different roles within the club.

Aside from Albert, Barnes and batting practice pitcher Kevin Mahoney, the remainder of the coaching group is expected to return. That continuity will support Andy Green, who is heading into his first full season as Mets manager after taking over Carlos Mendoza’s staff when Mendoza was dismissed in late June. Green, initially viewed as a short-term replacement who might move back to the front office after the season, instead accepted a three-year deal to keep managing in September.

Albert departs after overseeing Mets’ hitting program

Albert joined the Mets organization in 2022 and has spent four years directing the club’s hitting program. He moved onto the field staff before this past season while retaining the director of hitting title. During that time, New York also hired Troy Snitker as hitting coach, while longtime organizational staffer Rafael Fernandez has continued as assistant hitting coach.

The 2026 season brought underwhelming results at the plate for the Mets despite a talented roster. The team finished tied for 20th in the majors in runs scored and ranked in the bottom third of MLB in batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage. The offense showed improvement later in the year, but the overall production fell short of expectations.

Unclear how Mets will restructure hitting group

According to DiComo, the Mets have not yet determined whether they will hire a direct replacement for Albert’s position. One option is to bring in another director-level voice to oversee the hitting program; another is to add an additional assistant who would work underneath Snitker, who is expected to remain the primary voice on hitting matters.

By retaining most of the staff around Green despite a midseason managerial change, the Mets appear to be prioritizing stability while adjusting the leadership of their offense. How they choose to reshape the hitting department will be a key storyline as the club looks to unlock more consistent production in 2027 after a disappointing 2026 campaign.