Mets’ Johnny Washington Hire Leaves Braves Fans With Big Questions

The New York Mets just made a move that stings for Atlanta fans. They hired Johnny Washington as a co-hitting coach, pulling him right from the Braves’ organization. Washington served as the Braves’ minor league hitting coordinator during the 2026 season. The Mets are now stacking three hitting coaches in one room, a setup that feels strange for a team that needs immediate offense.

A Familiar Name in a New Spot

Washington is not a stranger to the Mets. Andy Green, the current Mets manager, previously employed him with the San Diego Padres and subsequently the Chicago Cubs. The hiring was reported by Joel Sherman of the New York Post, who noted the Mets finally have a new coach after weeks of searching. They fired their previous hitting coordinator, Jeff Albert, after just one season in the role. Washington joins Troy Snitker and Rafael Fernandez.

The situation looks odd because the Mets missed out on top targets. Prior to selecting Washington, they consulted John Mallee of the Chicago Cubs and Kevin Long of the Philadelphia Phillies. Each was considered a top contender to direct the staff. Instead, the Mets turned to a familiar voice from Green’s past. This choice suggests they could not land the big names they wanted. The Braves, meanwhile, kept Tim Hyers as their hitting coach despite a lackluster offensive season.

Why the Braves Let Him Go

Braves fans have to ask why Washington slipped through their fingers. The team kept Hyers even though the offense ranked eighth in runs but had the third-fewest walks in MLB. Their on-base percentage of .309 was a full point lower than the Mets. In 2026, only the Colorado Rockies and San Francisco Giants posted a lower on-base rate than Atlanta. Washington would have signaled a change, but the Braves chose stability over a new voice.

Washington’s past has its own baggage, though. He was the hitting coach for the Los Angeles Angels when they posted poor numbers. In 2024, the Angels batted .226 with him. Year two saw them hit .225. Before his Angels departure, a Reddit discussion noted an interview regarding his hitting philosophy. Critics labeled him a home run enthusiast who promoted a “wait for your pitch and end the at-bat” philosophy, according to Rising Apple. The Mets hired a coach with a mixed track record.

The Mets cannot afford to repeat their offensive struggles from last season. They ranked in the bottom 10 in on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and runs scored. With Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto back healthy, the offense must improve. The Brewers had four hitting coaches last season and won the World Series. Milwaukee utilized a lead coach, whereas the Mets allegedly lack such a role currently.