Mets, Hitting Coach Chili Davis Agree To Multiyear Deal

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Chili Davis will return as the Mets' hitting coach next season.

According to SNY's Andy Martino, Davis and the Mets have agreed on a multiyear deal. Davis, 59, was not under contract following his first season in Flushing and was reportedly receiving serious interest from Joe Girardi and the Philadelphia Phillies.

WFAN baseball insider Jon Heyman has confirmed Davis' return. Exact terms of the deal have not yet been reported.

PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 21: Chili Davis #54 of the New York Mets poses for a photo on Photo Day at First Data Field on February 21, 2019 in Port St. Lucie, FloridaMichael Reaves/Getty Images

The Mets' offense improved dramatically under Davis last season. The team jumped from 14th in batting average in the National League in 2018 (.234) to fifth (.257). It also hit 242 home runs -- also fifth in the NL -- a year after hitting just 170, 10th most in the league.

Under Davis' tutelage, rookie Pete Alonso led the majors with 53 home runs and Jeff McNeil batted .318, ranked fourth in the NL.

Davis had previously served on the staffs of the Cubs, Red Sox and A's. He played 19 seasons in the majors, was a three-time All-Star and won three World Series -- one with the Twins, two with the Yankees.