Reds could deal the Mets another heartbreaking loss by signing this coach

Despite having just two players that rank in the top 10% of baserunners in sprint speed, the New York Mets ran opponents ragged in 2025. New York finished the season with the best stolen base rank in the majors (89%), and Juan Soto, not usually a speed threat, finished just two stolen bases shy of a 40/40 season. Now, the coach responsible for much of that success is up for grabs, and the Cincinnati Reds would be wise to make a move.

ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that Mets first base coach Antoan Richardson intends to leave the team this offseason. While it’s possible that Richardson hopes to become a bench coach or even fill one of the many managerial vacancies in the Majors, perhaps the Reds can use skipper Terry Francona’s clout to woo Richardson to Cincinnati.

In doing so, the Reds could address one of the most glaring weaknesses on the team and deal the Mets another dose of disappointment just a month after eliminating them from contention.

Adding former Mets coach Antoan Richardson would instantly improve the Reds’ weak baserunning

The Reds are among the fastest teams in the league. They have five players that rank in the top 10% in sprint speed, and yet, their stolen base rate was exactly league average (78%), and they finished in the bottom half of the league in stolen bases.

Baserunning gaffs plagued the team, and a tentative nature has crept into the Reds’ baserunning philosophy. Richardson could transform the Reds just as he did superstar Soto.

In order for Richardson to join Cincinnati, though, the club would need to part ways with (or re-assign) current coach Collin Cowgill. He is a holdover from the David Bell years, so it wouldn’t necessarily be unusual for Francona to pursue a new direction.

The Reds will face stiff competition for Richardson’s services. The New York Yankees, with whom Richardson played, could make a bid for him, and the Baltimore Orioles’ first base coach Anthony Sanders has been given permission to pursue other opportunities. The Atlanta Braves, who drafted Richardson, could reconstruct their coaching staff when they hire a new manager.

The Reds, though, should still throw their hat in the ring. Richardson has a talent for reading the game and executing on the basepaths. Cincinnati has the raw ability to transform Richardson’s game plans into exciting results. The match could be the spark that takes Cincinnati back to the postseason.