The Mets are finalizing a contract extension with pitching coach Jeremy Hefner, reports Mike Puma of the New York Post. Assuming the deal is completed, it’ll keep the 36-year-old in the role for at least a fourth season.
A former Mets pitcher, Hefner has quickly risen through the coaching ranks after wrapping up his playing career following the 2016 season. Initially hired as a scout by the Twins heading into 2017, he made the jump to bullpen coach by 2019. He spent just one year working in that capacity for Minnesota before returning to his former big league organization as pitching coach over the 2019-20 offseason.
That hiring was overseen by former GM Brodie Van Wagenen and manager Luis Rojas, and the Mets overhauled both their front office and coaching staff not long after. Van Wagenen was dismissed following the 2020 season, while Rojas was fired and replaced by Buck Showalter last winter. Despite the leadership turnover, the Mets have remained steadfast in their belief in Hefner. He retained his position throughout the duration of his initial two-year guarantee, and the Mets exercised an option on his services for 2022 last October.
Puma writes that the Mets were concerned Hefner could both draw interest from other big league clubs and college programs this offseason. The notion of an MLB pitching coach leaving to take a collegiate coaching position may surprise some onlookers, but the Twins were dealt a midseason blow this summer when pitching coach Wes Johnson resigned to take the same role with LSU. Puma suggests that a chance to return closer to his native Oklahoma could’ve been appealing to Hefner, but he and the New York organization are apparently on the verge of continuing their relationship.
The Mets have been an above-average pitching team since Hefner took over, ranking 11th in cumulative ERA (3.93) and second in strikeout rate (25.7%) since the start of the 2020 campaign. No team topped New York’s 26.3% strikeout percentage this past season, while only the Dodgers, Astros and Yankees allowed fewer runs. As with any coach, Hefner isn’t solely responsible for the club’s results. He’s certainly had the fortune of working with a number of talented pitchers — Jacob deGrom, Max Scherzer and Edwin Díaz among them. Yet it’s also clear Hefner’s a respected pitching mind within the industry, and it’s no surprise the Mets prioritized keeping him around given the team’s success on the mound.
Puma adds that most of Showalter’s staff is expected to return in 2023, although he suggests there could be a few changes. Showalter himself is certain to be back after leading the club to 101 wins during the first season of a reported three-year contract.
How much is he making per year?
$675 million.
rct, I was thinking about the same. 675/3 right? I don’t think it’s per year.
Gee TrumboJumbo;
I thought you’d be all over the comments under the Angels articles. Was worried something happened to you.
Ah, you’re right. It’s over three years. Four year club option at $165 million.
Sam, honestly, I am still digesting it all….I will be getting in on the action. I’ll leave my mark.
Hopefully more than the Twins pitching coach.
MLB team success revolves around coaching…..particularly in the pitching area.
Jeremy Hefner has been excellent with the Mets. It can be argued that he’s had more impact on that team being a contender than any one player.
It’s impossible to rank pitching coaches (as teams utilize more than one). But Mr. Hefner is surely in the top-tier.
It would be interesting to hear the pitchers give Hefner credit. On a broad scale it seems like over time we hear more from batters giving kudos to batting coaches than we do pitchers giving kudos to pitching coaches……and the guys who have baserunning and defensive coaching duties, unless you are Dave Lopes or Ron Washington, there aren’t many kudos going around.
Everyone across the board, players, fans, front office seem to love this guy.
Love Hefner. Diaz became a superstar under his watch. It’s easy to coach Jake and Max, but he has also helped turn Taijuan into a reliable pitcher as well as helping elevate CBass to another level. Great signing by the Mets to keep Hef in Queens!
They’re looking to reassure their free agent pitchers.
Good hire, as the bullpen is full of bunnies.
LOL Mets They just choked losing the Division, no showing vs. the Padres and out in 3 Games of Wild Card, very questionable use of pitching down the stretch. Just Bring the Same Team All Back the Alderson Way. Same Old Mets
I don’t think the old Mets won 101 games
Just read that the Mets have been lowballing their Coaches compensation all these years and this is well known throughout the MLB Community. They go with the Cheapest not the Best. LOL
Why would you look at what the team did under old owners as what to expect with the current management and ownership? I’m sure that Buck Showalter didn’t come back for the lowest pay in baseball.
Troll Troll , Must be a Bravo or Spankee Troll…
Great move. A lot of people want a guy thats is older and has more experience but I disagree. I believe a manager should be an old guy with experience, a young pitching coach that is good with the analytics helps a lot
Hefner is a nice guy who knows his stuff and can hang. That’s what counts. A Leo Mazzone type wouldn’t help, unless his pitchers would get 4-5 inches off the plate in 2022 these days.