Derek Shelton Shapes Twins Coaching Staff with Major Changes
Derek Shelton is making his mark as the new manager of the Minnesota Twins, and the reshuffling of the coaching staff is indicative of his vision. The latest reports indicate that Shelton has secured LaTroy Hawkins as the team’s new bullpen coach, signaling a fresh approach to the pitching department.
Coaching Departures and Retentions
In a notable shift, longtime Twins assistant Tommy Watkins is departing the organization to join the Atlanta Braves after 27 years. Most recently, Watkins served as the third base coach, contributing to the team’s development over nearly three decades. Meanwhile, Pete Maki has been retained as the pitching coach, a decision that reflects confidence in his ability to guide a pitching staff that was once considered among the best in baseball prior to the 2024 season.
Injuries and Bullpen Struggles
Despite high expectations, the Twins faced considerable challenges last season. Injuries and underperformance from key starters, particularly Pablo Lopez and Bailey Ober, hindered the rotation’s effectiveness. Additionally, the bullpen suffered significant losses at the trade deadline, with the departures of Jhoan Duran, Danny Coulombe, Griffin Jax, Louis Varland, and Brock Stewart leaving a void that the organization is now tasked with addressing.
Uncertainty in the Hitting Department
While the pitching staff is beginning to take shape, the future of the hitting coaches remains murky. Matt Borgschulte, Trevor Amicone, and Rayden Sierra, who were all hired just a year ago, are under review as the team evaluates its offensive strategy moving forward. The coaching staff changes also include the departures of Hank Conger, the assistant bench coach under Rocco Baldelli, and Nate Damman, who was the quality control coach.
Looking Ahead
As the Twins continue to refine their coaching staff, questions linger about the roles of assistant pitching coach Luis Ramirez and first base/infield coach Ramon Borrego. The organization is poised for a transformative offseason, and how these coaching changes will impact the team’s performance in the upcoming season remains to be seen. The Twins have yet to confirm any of the reported changes, including the rumored moves of bench coach Jayce Tingler to the San Francisco Giants and bullpen coach Colby Suggs to the Texas Rangers.
With Shelton at the helm, the Twins are entering a new chapter, one defined by strategic hires and an opportunity to reclaim their place among the league’s elite.
