PORT ST. LUCIE — A year ago at this time, or even as the season unfolded and the Mets had the best ERA in the majors, it would have seemed far-fetched to think they now would have a new pitching coach.

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But a miserable few months to end the season, mainly due to injuries, helped cost Jeremy Hefner his job.

Hefner quickly resurfaced with the Braves, and Justin Willard, formerly the director of pitching for the Red Sox, took his place.

So far, as the regular starting pitchers slowly work their way into Grapefruit League games, it’s been mostly a feeling-out process between the 35-year-old Willard and the rotation — but they are gradually getting what Willard wants from them.