The Mets haven’t hit the free agent or trade market yet, but their coaching staff is coming into form.
Jim Riggleman was named the team’s bench coach on Monday, replacing Gary DiSarcina- who will serve as the third base coach next season after a year alongside manager Mickey Callaway.
After a disappointing 2018, the Mets reshuffled their coaching staff. They fired hitting coach Pat Roessler and bullpen coach Ricky Bones and also shifted DiSarcina — who has never managed — to third.
Previous managerial experience was clearly a requirement for the bench coach position this time around, as the Mets also interviewed Fredi Gonzalez and Bryan Price, in addition to Riggleman. All three have managed in the majors, something that was lacking on the bench during Callaway’s first year at the helm.
Riggleman served as manager of the Padres, Cubs, Mariners, Nationals and finished last season in that role with the Reds.
“Jim brings a wealth of experience to the coaching staff,” general manager Brodie Van Wagenen said in a statement. “His familiarity with the National League will be a great asset.”
“I’m excited to have Jim’s knowledge alongside me,” Callaway said. “He’ll be a tremendous resource for me and the entire coaching staff.”
The 66-year-old Riggleman was praised for Cincinnati’s play under him after he was hired to replace Price in April.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the Mets coaching staff,” Riggleman said. “I can’t wait to get underway. I think this team has a lot of potential.”
In addition, former Met Dave Magadan is “under consideration” to be the team’s next hitting coach, according to a source.
Magadan was most recently in the same role with Arizona before the two sides “mutually parted ways” following the season.
The 56-year-old Magadan was drafted by the Mets in 1983 and spent the first seven seasons in a 16-year major league career with the Mets.
He has also served as hitting coach of the Padres, Red Sox and Rangers.