When one door closes, another one opens even if it leads to a rival's dugout.
You know the feeling. You log on, and your entire timeline
is buzzing about a shocking firing. That was the reality for the Houston Astros
and their fans on October 9, 2025, when the team parted ways with
hitting coaches Alex Cintrón and Troy Snitker .
This wasn't just a routine coaching change. It was the end
of an era for a duo that had been at the helm of the Astros' offense since
2019, a period that included a historic 2022 World Series win . But in the
fast-paced world of MLB trends, a great past isn't enough to save your job
after a disappointing present.
So, what's next for the son of a baseball legend? Let's just
say the New York Mets have entered the chat .
The Architect of the Astros' Offense
Who Is Troy Snitker?
Before his name was trending for his departure, Troy Snitker
was a baseball lifer. The 36-year-old's journey wasn't as a superstar player,
but as a student of the game. Drafted by the Atlanta Braves in 2011, his
playing career was cut short by a concussion, leading him to retire in
2014 .
This early end, however, was the start of his real calling:
coaching. He joined the Houston Astros organization, working his way up from
the minor leagues. By 2018, he was the hitting coach for the Double-A Corpus
Christi Hooks, and by 2019, he was promoted to the big-league club as a
co-hitting coach . Talk about a rapid climb.
A Run of Historic Success
From 2019 through 2025, Snitker was a constant in the
Astros' lineup. His tenure wasn't just about showing up; it was about historic
performance. Consider what the Astros' offense achieved with him in the coach's
box:
- 2019
Record-Setter: In his very first year, the Astros set the Major
League record for slugging percentage .
- 2022
World Series Champion: Snitker was the hitting coach when the
Astros won the 2022 World Series, defeating the Philadelphia Phillies and
securing the second-highest win total (106) in franchise history .
- Sustained
Excellence: For years, the Astros' offense was a model of
consistency and power, a force that the rest of the league feared.
More Than Just a Last Name
If you're a baseball fan, the name "Snitker" rings
a bell. Troy is the son of Brian Snitker, the recently retired and
legendary manager of the Atlanta Braves . This isn't just a fun fact it created one of the most memorable
storylines in recent World Series history.
In 2021, the baseball world was treated to a "family
feud" when Troy's Astros faced his father's Braves in the World Series.
The image of the two Snitkers meeting at home plate to exchange lineup cards
before Game 3 was a viral moment that transcended the game . In the end,
Brian's Braves won, but Troy got his ring the very next year. As Brian said,
the Snitker house was guaranteed a World Series trophy they just had to figure out who would own
it .
The End of an Era in Houston
Why Did the Astros Make a Change?
So, what leads a team to fire a coach with such a stellar
resume? The 2025 season told the story. For the first time since 2016, the
Astros missed the playoffs, stumbling in the second half and being eliminated
by just one game .
While the team was devastated by injuries losing stars like Yordan Alvarez for 100
games and seeing 28 different players land on the injured list the offense showed clear signs of regression.
The stats from 2025 reveal the struggles:
|
Metric |
2025 Ranking (MLB) |
Performance Issue |
|
Runs Scored |
21st |
Struggled to drive in runs consistently |
|
Walks |
26th |
Lack of patience at the plate |
|
Pitches/Plate Appearance |
28th |
Among the worst at working counts |
|
Avg. Exit Velocity |
30th (Last) |
Failed to hit the ball hard |
As one analysis put it, the team had "increased chase
rates" and saw fewer pitches per at-bat, a major deviation from the
disciplined approach that once defined them . Sometimes, a message just
gets stale, and the front office felt it was time for a new voice to lead the
hitters .
Ripple Effects Across the Organization
The dismissal was part of a broader house-cleaning. The
Astros also let go of assistant GM Andrew Ball and head athletic trainer
Jeremiah Randall, signaling a comprehensive response to a frustrating
season .
The Next Chapter: A Meteoric Shift to New York
The Rumor Mill Heats Up
Almost as soon as the news of his departure broke, Snitker's
name was circulating for new opportunities. His proven track record and wealth
of experience made him a hot commodity.
The Detroit Tigers, whose manager A.J. Hinch
worked with Snitker in Houston, were also mentioned as a potential suitor .
But the most consistent and concrete rumors pointed to the New York
Mets .
Snitker's New Role with the Mets
The rumors are now reality. The Mets are hiring Troy Snitker
as their hitting coach . This move comes after the Mets conducted a
complete overhaul of their own coaching staff following a late-season collapse
that saw them miss the playoffs .
Snitker won't be the top voice in the hitting department;
he'll be working under Jeff Albert, who was recently promoted to
the Mets' director of hitting . The connection here is key Albert was the Astros' minor league hitting
coordinator back in 2016 when Snitker was first hired as a coach in Houston's
system . This reunion suggests the Mets are trying to capture some of that
Astros offensive magic.
Conclusion: A Fresh Start for a Proven Coach
The Astros' decision to move on from Troy Snitker marks a
significant turning point for both the coach and the franchise. His legacy in
Houston is secure, built on a foundation of record-breaking performances and
the ultimate prize a World Series ring.
For Snitker, the journey is far from over. His quick hiring
by the Mets is a powerful testament to his reputation around the league. The
baseball world will be watching closely to see if he can help reignite the
Mets' offense and bring his winning pedigree to New York.
What do you think of the Mets' new hire? Will Snitker's approach translate to success in the National League? Sound off in the comments below and stay tuned for more daily trending sports news!
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