Less than a week after their season ended in an American League Division Series loss to Toronto, the Yankees have made several changes to their coaching staff.
According to league sources, the team is promoting hitting coordinator Jake Hirst to the major league staff, moving on from longtime bullpen coach Mike Harkey and first base/infield coach Travis Chapman, and discussing a new role in the organization for beloved assistant hitting coach Pat Roessler.
The Yankees are also bracing for the potential of losing third base/outfield coach Luis Rojas and hitting coach James Rowson to managerial opportunities. Rojas has interviewed for the vacancy in Baltimore, league sources say. The New York Post first reported that Rowson is a candidate for the Minnesota job.
Taken together, these represent significant changes for manager Aaron Boone’s staff. The rest of the staff — bench coach Brad Ausmus, pitching coach Matt Blake, assistant pitching coach Preston Claiborne, assistant hitting coach Casey Dykes, major league field coordinator and director of catching Tanner Swanson — will likely be invited to return.
The Yankees value Rojas and Rowson, and would keep both unless another team hires them to manage.
Harkey served as bullpen coach for a total of 16 years across two stints. Pitchers loved his feel for the game and warm personality.
In a text message, Harkey said, “Had a great 16 years and I’m very grateful for the opportunity I had with the Yankee organization! I wish them nothing but the best!!”
Hirst, who has coached most of the Yankees’ homegrown players, attracted interest this fall for major league jobs in other organizations.
Roessler, 65, has long been a valued member in the organization, going back to his time in a leading role in player development in the mid-2000s. He later went on to serve as hitting coach for both the Mets and Washington Nationals before returning to the Yanks.
He is beloved by stars like Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, whom he coached both with the Yankees and Nationals. The Yankees were happy with his performance as assistant hitting coach and are considering ways for him to help the organization.
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