Mets Hire Defensive Guru Kai Correa as Bench Coach

Correa's expertise aims to overhaul the team's defense and baserunning

Feb. 25, 2026 at 1:24am

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The Mets have hired Kai Correa, a 37-year-old defensive specialist, as their new bench coach. Correa previously served as a major league field coordinator with the Guardians and as a bench coach with the Giants. His reputation as a defensive guru led the Mets to request permission to speak with him immediately after last season, even before he had returned home from Cleveland.

Why it matters

The Mets' decision to prioritize defense and baserunning under new bench coach Kai Correa signals a strategic shift for the team, which has historically focused more on offense. Correa's expertise is expected to help the Mets improve their overall performance and competitiveness.

The details

In his new role, Correa will have input on several fronts, including defense and baserunning. The Mets' decision to bring him on board came after team president David Stearns recognized the need to focus more on defense. Correa's reputation as a defensive guru was a major factor in the Mets' decision to pursue him, with Mets manager Carlos Mendoza being one of his admirers.

  • Correa was driving home to Colorado from Cleveland when the Mets requested permission to speak with him last offseason.

The players

Kai Correa

A 37-year-old defensive specialist who previously served as a major league field coordinator with the Guardians and as a bench coach with the Giants.

David Stearns

The president of baseball operations for the Mets, who recognized the need to focus more on defense and prompted an overhaul of the roster and coaching staff.

Carlos Mendoza

The manager of the Mets, who was one of the admirers of Kai Correa's expertise.

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What they’re saying

“Kai Correa's reputation as a defensive guru was so strong that he hadn't even arrived home to Colorado last offseason — he was driving from Cleveland — when Guardians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti called to inform him the Mets had requested permission to speak with him.”

— Mike Puma, Author

The takeaway

The Mets' decision to bring in Kai Correa as their new bench coach signals a strategic shift for the team, as they look to improve their overall performance by focusing more on defense and baserunning. Correa's expertise in these areas is expected to help the Mets become a more well-rounded and competitive team.