Overview
- Multiple outlets reported Thursday that the Mets have finalized the hire of Johnny Washington as a major-league co-hitting coach to work alongside Troy Snitker.
- Washington spent 2026 as the Atlanta Braves’ minor-league hitting coordinator and previously coached under Andy Green with the San Diego Padres from 2017–19.
- The club also brought in A. J. Ellis as major-league strategy coordinator, promoted Mariano Duncan, and will keep Rafael Fernández as an assistant hitting coach.
- The team has not yet issued a formal announcement and it remains unclear which co-hitting coach will serve as the primary lead for day-to-day hitting work.
- The moves respond to a weak Mets offense in 2026 and follow a wider MLB trend toward multiple, specialized hitting coaches; Washington is known for tailoring individual plans and has been credited with aiding hitters such as Cody Bellinger.