The Mets plan a big tilt toward hitting in 2026, promoting Jeff Albert to a major league role and adding Kai Correa as bench coach under Carlos Mendoza as they reshuffle the staff. The move signals a clean separation from previous co-hitting coaches and aligns with a broader emphasis on defense and run prevention as the front office doubles down on homegrown hitters and young prospects.

Correa, 37, arrives after stints as Giants bench coach and interim manager, plus a recent run with the Guardians focused on defense, baserunning and game strategy. Albert, who has led hitting development since 2023, will work alongside Correa to push hitters like Brett Baty, Mark Vientos and Ronny Mauricio toward continued MLB impact, while the organization looks to optimize the pipeline from its minor leagues to the majors.

The staff overhaul comes on the heels of coaching departures and management changes, including Gibbons’ resignation and Glenn Sherlock’s retirement, with the Mets aiming to blend Albert’s modernization with Correa’s defense-centric perspective to maximize offense and prevent runs in 2026.

Nick Hundley is the Giants’ top internal option to replace Buster Posey, but Mike Shildt’s sudden retirement in San Diego opens a real Padres angle that could lure Hundley home. Hundley’s San Diego ties, plus family considerations, keep the decision fluid as the Padres’ core—Tatis Jr. and Merrill—adds weight to any pitch.

SF may need to pivot if Hundley heads to San Diego or stays in limbo, creating clear fantasy implications for 2025: managerial direction, lineup stability, and bench roles across the cross-town rivalry.