Miguel Cairo has returned to the New York Mets organization as the organization’s minor league infield coordinator. That was a position last held by Tim Teufel held for the last six seasons before this offseason’s organizational shake-up.
Cairo, 48, spent the 2005 season predominantly playing second base. Over 100 games played, Cairo hit .251/.296/.324 with 18 doubles, two homers, and 30 RBI.
After retiring in 2013, he has served in a number of front office and coaching roles. This past season, he served as an interim manager for the Chicago White Sox as Tony La Russa underwent a medical procedure which eventually forced him back into retirement.
Cairo managed the final 34 games of the season leading the White Sox to a 18-16 finish. As reported by Bob Nightengale of USA Today, veteran White Sox players credited Cairo for bringing energy and accountability to the White Sox clubhouse.
In addition to hiring Cairo, Michael Mayer of MMN reports the New York Mets have promoted Kyle Driscoll (pitching coach) and Collin Hetzler (hitting coach) as coaches for Triple-A Syracuse. Last season, both coaches served as in their roles as complex instructors.
Driscoll first joined the Mets in 2020 as a pitching and movement analyst and rehab coach. Prior to being hired by the Mets, he worked for Cressly Sports Performance in various roles including pitching coordinator.
Congrats to Collin Hetzler on being named the @Mets minor league staff member of the year! pic.twitter.com/cCjq752YTb
— Mets Farm Report (@MetsFarmReport) October 5, 2022
Hetzler was named as the Mets 2022 Mets Minor League Staff Member of the Year. Prior to being hired by the Mets in 2021, Hetzler had served as hitting operations manager at Driveline for two years.
The Syracuse hitting coach role was previously held by Joel Chimelis. Chimelis has been a hitting coach in the Mets organization for the past five season. The last three seasons he has worked with Syracuse. Syracuse would finish this past season with the 17th ranked OPS.
Steve Schrenk was the previous pitching coach. Schrenk served in that role for two seasons. This past season, Syracuse finished second to last in the league with a 5.26 team ERA.
