Former Oakland A’s star Eric Chavez appeared to have his plans for the 2022 season lined up. He was slated to join the New York Yankees as one of their assistant hitting coaches, one of the three that the team plans on having for the coming year. It would be the perfect way for Chavez to get his feet wet in a major league coaching position.
But the Mets came with a better offer. Just weeks after he accepted the Yankees offer, Chavez is changing boroughs as he will become the Mets’ hitting coach.
Eric Chavez will not be joining the Yankees coaching staff after all. Per source, Chavez will become the new Mets hitting coach.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) January 6, 2022
Former Oakland A’s star Eric Chavez changes boroughs for promotion
Aside from a two week stint in the majors with the Yankees last year, this will be Chavez’s first major league coaching position. He does have experience as a minor league coach and manager, having done both in the Angels’ system after spending time in their front office.
That familiarity likely had a great deal to do with his decision to head to the Mets. Former Angels’ GM Billy Eppler, who Chavez had worked with in Los Angeles, is now in charge of that front office. His presence may have gotten the former A’s All Star to change his mind and take that promotion.
This is also an excellent opportunity for Chavez as he looks to further his career. He had been considered a potential manager of the future, someone that could get a look on the bench in a few years’ time. Now, not only does he have his first major league coaching role, but he has a chance to learn from a truly respected manager in Buck Showalter.
Former Oakland A’s third baseman Eric Chavez is back in the majors. This time, he is the new hitting coach for the New York Mets.