New York Mets hitting coach search faces setbacks

The New York Mets' search for a new hitting coach has encountered significant obstacles as two primary candidates have withdrawn from consideration.

John Mallee, an assistant hitting coach for the Chicago Cubs, has withdrawn from the process. Following Mallee's departure, reports indicate that Kevin Long is also no longer being considered for the role. Long previously served as the Mets' hitting coach from 2015 to 2017, a period that included the team's appearance in the World Series.

The vacancy follows the dismissal of director of hitting Jeff Albert after one season. The search comes at a critical time for the organization, as the Mets ranked in the bottom ten of several major offensive categories last season, including on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and runs scored.