Pat Roessler to be named hitting coach, nears two-year contract with Mets

With the fate of 2015-2016 hitting coach Kevin Long still up in the air, the Mets have wasted no time in preparing for a Long-less coaching staff. Assistant hitting coach Pat Roessler is reportedly nearing a two-year deal, according to the Daily News. This fuels speculation that Roessler will succeed Long as the team’s hitting coach for next season.

Long, who has received near-universal praise in his two years in Queens, interviewed for the Mets’ then-vacant managerial opening, before being passed over for Mickey Callaway. He had requested permission to interview with other teams, and did so for the managerial opening in Washington, which eventually went to Dave Martinez. It is thought that Long will not remain with the Mets next season, even though his name has been mentioned as a potential bench coach for Callaway. Long is expected to interview for the open Yankees managerial position.

Roessler joined the team after the 2014 season, after nine years in the Yankees organization as director of player development. In 2000 and 2001, Roessler was the hitting coach for the Montreal Expos. He has experience as minor league hitting coach or coordinator for a number of teams, including the Astros, the Pirates, and the White Sox.

Update: Sources are telling the Daily News that Roessler will, indeed, be the new hitting coach.