New York, NY — In a move that underscores the mounting frustration surrounding the New York Mets’ underwhelming start to the 2025 season, the organization announced today that it has officially parted ways with pitching coach Jeremy Hefner. The decision comes in the wake of a string of disappointing performances from the Mets’ pitching staff, who have struggled to find consistency and effectiveness on the mound through the opening stretch of the season.
Hefner, 38, had served as the Mets’ pitching coach since 2020 and was initially seen as a promising young mind with a modern approach to pitching analytics. A former major league pitcher himself, Hefner was praised early in his tenure for his ability to connect with younger players and implement data-driven strategies. However, after several seasons of mixed results and a particularly rocky start to the 2025 campaign, the front office has decided that a change is necessary.
“This was not an easy decision,” said Mets general manager David Stearns in a brief press conference Friday morning. “Jeremy has been a dedicated member of this organization and has contributed a great deal over the past five years. However, we feel that at this point, a new voice and direction are needed to help our pitching staff reach its full potential.”
The Mets’ pitching woes have been a significant storyline in the early months of the season. Despite entering the year with high expectations and a roster featuring a mix of experienced veterans and promising young arms, the staff has posted one of the highest ERAs in the National League. Command issues, injuries, and late-inning collapses have plagued the team, contributing to a disappointing record that has left them near the bottom of the NL East standings.
The pressure to compete in a crowded division and a demanding New York media market likely accelerated the front office’s decision. Fans and analysts alike have been vocal in questioning the club’s direction, particularly in regard to pitching development and in-game adjustments.
Hefner’s tenure was not without its highlights. Under his guidance, several pitchers enjoyed breakout seasons, and the team’s staff ranked near the top of the league in certain metrics during the 2022 and 2023 campaigns. Still, the inconsistency year-over-year and the inability to develop a dominant and dependable rotation proved to be too much to overlook.
The team has not yet named an interim replacement, though sources indicate that bullpen coach Eric Jagers or Triple-A pitching coordinator Frank Viola could be considered for the role in the short term. A more permanent hire is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
This latest move marks another turning point for a Mets franchise that has undergone significant changes in leadership and roster construction over the past few years. With ownership under Steve Cohen continuing to show a willingness to spend and shake things up in pursuit of a championship, today’s announcement serves as a clear message: underperformance will not be tolerated.
For now, the Mets will look to regroup and refocus, hoping that a shift in coaching can spark improvement on the mound and help salvage a season that has quickly begun to spiral.
“We’re not giving up,” said manager Carlos Mendoza. “We believe in the talent we have, and we’re committed to doing whatever it takes to get things back on track.”
The Mets continue their homestand this weekend with a series against the Philadelphia Phillies, where all eyes will be on how the pitching staff responds in the wake of today’s dramatic decision.
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