Tony Plate - New NY Mets GM Makes Changes to Coaching Staff

The new New York Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen made a couple of changes to the New York Mets coaching staff. Pat Roessler will not be back as the Mets hitting coach. The Mets offense struggled under Roessler. They only scored 676 runs in 2018.  The team really did not start to hit the ball until late into the season. So, management felt that a change had to be made. Roessler had been with the team since 2015. More changes are expected during the Winter as Van Wagenen’s goal is to see that the Mets return to the playoffs. Bullpen coach Ricky Bones will be reassigned within the organization.

Van Wagenen will try to improve a bullpen that was among the worst in the major leagues last season and he will also try to upgrade the catching position. These changes will be done via free agency or through trades. It would also help if Van Wagenen had the approval of the Wilpons to spend more money in order to pursue the elite free agents so he would be able to make a big splash just like the New York Yankees usually do. Craig Kimbrel is the top free agent relief pitcher on the market. He regressed and struggled with his command of his fast ball. He walked more batters and struck out less, however he still managed to collect forty saves with a 1.5 WAR in 2018. Yasmani Grandal is the top free agent catcher that is available. He is a very good hitter. The off season can be an exciting time for fans as they discuss trade scenarios between other teams during break time at their place of work. I would like to see the Mets do business with the Yankees at the Winter meetings. Both teams can really help each other. Back in June there were rumors that the Yankees were interested in Noah S. and perhaps they can begin those talks again with the Mets during the Winter meetings.

As for the New York sports award winners Jacob deGrom was chosen as New York player of the year. David Wright won the Joe DiMaggio Toast of the Town award. Former general manager Sandy Alderson won the Arthur and Milton Richman You Gotta Have Heart award. Brandon Nimmo was chosen for the Ben Epstein/Dan Castellano Good Guy award. The Willie, Mickey and The Duke award will be given to the 1969 Miracle Mets on the 50^th anniversary of their championship season. New York Yankee general manager Brian Cashman won the Joan Payson/Shannon Forde award for community service. Congratulations to all above.