Mets to name Meulens bench coach (source)

NEW YORK -- Carlos Beltrán’s new bench coach may not have any Major League managerial reps, but he is plenty experienced within the game’s coaching ranks.

The Mets have agreed to hire longtime Giants coach Hensley Meulens as their bench coach, a source confirmed on Monday, offering Beltrán a wealth of experience beside him in his first year as manager. The 52-year-old Meulens spent eight seasons as San Francisco’s hitting coach, before transitioning to bench coach under Bruce Bochy two years ago.

The Mets have not confirmed Meulens’ appointment, as they intend to announce their entire coaching staff at once.

In San Francisco, Meulens not only won three World Series rings, but he also served as Beltrán’s hitting coach when he played for the Giants in the second half of 2011. A native of Curaçao, Meulens also played seven big league seasons for the Yankees, Expos and D-backs from 1989-98.

The Mets interviewed multiple candidates for their bench coach vacancy, including Jerry Narron and Fredi Gonzalez. Despite rumors, Terry Collins was never a serious candidate for the job, according to sources.

The Mets still must fill several coaching positions to fill out Beltrán’s staff. Although the team has not publicly committed to hiring a pitching coach to replace interim Phil Regan, Mets officials have interviewed several candidates, including Jeremy Hefner and Steve Karsay. Hitting coach is set, with Chili Davis set to return on a two-year deal, according to a source, while third-base coach Gary DiSarcina is reportedly due to return in some capacity. First-base coach Glenn Sherlock may not return.

Even if Regan does not reprise his role as pitching coach, the Mets hope to keep him in the organization.