Jeremy Hefner - Destined For Queens
Learn about the New York Mets’ Pitching Coach and Jeremy Hefner.
Jeremy Hefner was always destined to be a Met. Despite not signing, he was drafted twice by them in the 46th round in 2004 and the 48th round in 2005. After a short playing career, he eventually ended up finding his way back to New York.
After retiring as a player, Hefner joined the Minnesota Twins as an advance scout from 2017 through 2018. Hefner was promoted to assistant pitching coach for the 2019 season.
On December 8, 2019, Hefner was hired to be the pitching coach for the New York Mets.
Playing Career
Hefner’s major league journey started in 2007 when the Orel Roberts alum was drafted in the fifth round by the San Diego Padres. From 2007 through 2011, Hefner grinded through the Padres system reaching as high as AAA before he was placed on waivers. Hefner appeared in over 130 games while a member of the Padres system. On November 18th 2011, Hefner was claimed by the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he was then designated for assignment on December 9th.
On December 12th, Hefner was claimed by the Mets. In April of the next season, Hefner received the call and made his MLB debut. Hefner pitched three scoreless innings before being sent back down to the minors. While his rookie year was nothing special, he did have moments. Most notably, hitting his first career home run in the same game he recorded his first career win. Unfortunately, his time on the field was cut short due to injury. In 2013, Hefner underwent his first Tommy John surgery. He was then non tendered but still resigned by the Mets. While battling back from injury, Hefner re-injured his elbow and went through his second Tommy John surgery in October of 2014.
Coaching Career
Hefner wasted no time getting into coaching, immediately joining the Minnesota Twins as an advanced scout from 2017 through the next season. He was promoted in 2019 to assistant pitching coach before returning to Queens and becoming the Mets pitching coach. Hefner has lasted two different manager changes and mass firings because the players love him. The Mets’ have a very large analytical department that works well with his coaching style. Hefner played a huge role in both Sean Manaea and Luis Severino reviving their careers and earning big contacts.
As a former pitcher himself, he works well with all of the arms. Whether that is changing pitch grips, release points, or just breaking down mechanics, Hefner gets the most out of his pitchers. David Peterson looks like the first round talent he was considered to be out of college. Hefner leaves his mark on every pitcher he works with.