Part 8/12:
One of the most nuanced topics involves Antoine Richardson, the Mets’ respected first base running coach. Initially thought to have left due to salary disputes, further information reveals that the Mets offered him a reasonable contract, but Richardson sought greater financial or role assurances—specifically, a pension and flexibility to leave if a better opportunity arose.
Wardy clarifies that the Mets, constrained by league rules on coaching staff pensions and staffing caps, couldn't meet Richardson’s demands. Richardson’s desire for unrestricted mobility was unrealistic given organizational constraints, leading to his departure to the Atlanta Braves—a stronger team on the base running front—alongside Jeremy Hefner, now their pitching coach.