According to a report from The Athletic, the New York Mets will hire former Toronto Blue Jays manager John Gibbons as bench coach. Additionally, other reports revealed that Mike Sarbaugh will be the new third-base/infield coach while Antoan Richardson will coach first base and the outfield.
Reports: Mets Hire John Gibbons as Bench Coach
The Mets were looking for a bench coach with previous managing experience to help guide manager Carlos Mendoza in his first year. Gibbons spent 11 seasons (2004-2008, 2013-2018) as Toronto’s manager and earned a record of 793-789. Under Gibbons’ leadership, the Blue Jays reached the ALCS in 2015 and 2016.
While Gibbons is most known for his time as a manager, Mets fans might remember him as a player in the 1980s. The Mets drafted Gibbons in the first round in 1980 and he played a handful of games with the team in 1984 and 1986. During the Mets’ 1986 championship run, he served as their bullpen catcher and received a World Series ring. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Gibbons was a catcher who became a quality big league manager.
Gibbons interviewed for the Mets managerial job after the 2019 season. Since being let go by the Blue Jays in 2018, Gibbons spent time scouting for the Atlanta Braves.
The 61-year-old has a reputation for being tough on players, but he is predominantly well-liked. The Mets will hire Gibbons to help guide Mendoza in his rookie year while holding players accountable.
Sarbaugh, Richardson Join The Staff
Sarbaugh spent 33 years in the Cleveland organization, including the past 10 on Terry Francona‘s staff. He spent most of his time as the third base and infield coach, but filled in as bench coach in 2020.
It’s notable that Sarbaugh coached Francisco Lindor for six years in Cleveland. It’s not known how that relationship was considered in the hiring, but the connection certainly can’t hurt. Lindor won two Gold Gloves with Sarbaugh as his infield coach. The 56-year-old also has 10 years of minor league managing experience at various levels of Cleveland’s system.
Richardson spent the past four seasons with the San Francisco Giants as first base, outfield, and base running coach. Before coaching for the Giants, Richardson was their field coordinator and minor league outfield coordinator in 2019. The 40-year-old is well regarded as a coach who can connect new-age data to players.
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