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Braves’ Ben Sestanovich on Astros’ GM radar, NL East roundup
No NL East games were played, but the Braves’ front office and the Mets’ coaching staff are in the rumor mill.
By the PickALeague Newsroom · Published · Source: PickALeagueSummary written with AI assistance — how we workLire en français →
There were no games on the schedule for NL East clubs yesterday, but that didn’t stop the division from generating headlines. Front office movement in Atlanta and a coaching search in New York are the main storylines, according to MLB Trade Rumors.
Braves AGM Sestanovich linked to Astros’ GM opening
MLB Trade Rumors relays that Atlanta Braves assistant general manager Ben Sestanovich is among the candidates for the Houston Astros’ general manager job. The report, attributed to Chandler Rome of The Athletic, also notes that Kansas City Royals senior vice president of baseball operations Scott Sharp is under consideration, along with other previously reported names from Bob Nightengale of USA Today and Rome.
Coming off a 94-68 season atop the NL East, it’s no surprise rival clubs are eyeing the Braves’ front office talent. Whether the Astros move forward with Sestanovich and Sharp or continue to cast a wider net will be a key storyline as Houston reshapes its baseball operations department.
Mets digging into the hitting coach market
For the New York Mets, who finished 74-88, the focus appears to be on the offensive side of the coaching staff. MLB Trade Rumors, citing Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, reports that the club has interest in John Mallee for a hitting-oriented coaching role. He joins Kevin Long, who was reported yesterday as having been interviewed for a job.
MLB Trade Rumors notes that in 2026 the Mets employed Troy Snitker as hitting coach and Rafael Fernandez as assistant. The fact that the organization is now talking to outside candidates suggests some level of retooling around its hitters, even if the exact title and responsibilities being discussed with Mallee have not been detailed.
Quiet day elsewhere in the NL East
The Philadelphia Phillies (88-74), Miami Marlins (80-82) and Washington Nationals (77-85) were not involved in any notable news over the past 24 hours. For now, the most significant developments in the NL East are taking place in the Braves’ front office and on the Mets’ coaching staff as the offseason begins to take shape.