Report: Mets hitting coach Kevin Long is early favorite to become team’s manager

Terry Collins’ successor may be coming from in-house.

Buster Olney of ESPN reported on Monday that New York Mets hitting coach Kevin Long is seen as the early favorite to become the team’s manager.

As Mets' process begins, Kevin Long regarded as favorite, as Alex Cora is in Boston (as reported Saturday)

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) October 16, 2017

The 50-year-old Long has served as the hitting coach of the Mets since 2015. He previously held the same position with the New York Yankees for eight seasons from 2007 to 2014, helping them win the World Series in 2009.

The Mets have also been eyeing some splashier names recently, but Long may have a leg up on the competition given the organizational familiarity here.

Image via SportsNet New York on YouTube