While the MLB lockout has halted all Major League player activity, teams are still permitted to make changes to their coaching staff. The New York Mets hired Buck Showalter to be their new manager last month and now are in the process of rounding out his staff.
The Mets have made several moves this week, first naming Eric Chavez as their new hitting coach. They also reportedly are closing in on hiring Joey Cora to be their third base coach.
With those vacancies close to being filled, the Mets have shifted their focus to finding a new bench coach. Los Angeles Dodgers first base coach Clayton McCullough is among the possibilities, who impressed New York during his interview for their managerial opening.
Some consider McCullough to be a favorite for the position, but according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, McCullough is considered a long shot to leave the Dodgers:
While Dodgers 1B coach Clayton McCullough has been a consideration for Mets bench coach, the Mets believe he won’t leave LA to coach elsewhere. Mets loved his manager interview but they know he’s consistently turned down coaching jobs elsewhere. Mets still working on bench job.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 6, 2022
McCullough has been with the Dodgers since 2015, initially serving as their Minor League field coordinator and helping oversee their alternate training site at USC during the 2020 season.
McCullough was promoted to first base coach last year after George Lombard left the organization to become the Detroit Tigers’ bench coach.
Before he joined the Dodgers, McCullough worked in the Toronto Blue Jays organization from 2006-2014, managing four of their Minor League affiliates through the 2013 season. He went 629-559 during that span.
Haselman reportedly leaving Dodgers for Angels
While McCullough is likely staying put with the Dodgers, the organization reportedly has lost former Triple-A Oklahoma City manager and bench coach Bill Haselman, who will become the L.A. Angels’ new catching instructor.
Haselman is the second coaching departure of the offseason as L.A. previously saw former High-A Great Lakes hitting coach David Popkins leave for the same position with the Minnesota Twins.
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