Pittsburgh Pirates hire Kristopher Negrón as new bench coach for 2026 season
The Pittsburgh Pirates have made headlines with a surprising addition to their coaching staff as they prepare for the 2026 season. Reports confirm that Kristopher Negrón will take on the role of bench coach, signaling a strategic move for the franchise looking to revitalize its fortunes.
Negrón’s Impressive Coaching Background
Negrón arrives in Pittsburgh with a wealth of coaching experience acquired over the past four seasons with the Seattle Mariners. He began his tenure in Seattle as the first base coach in 2022, later transitioning to third base coach in 2024. Under his guidance, the Mariners enjoyed significant success, boasting four winning seasons. Notably, in 2022, they ended a 20-year postseason drought by reaching the American League Divisional Series. This past season, the Mariners advanced to the AL Championship Series, narrowly missing a World Series berth after a grueling seven-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Negrón’s coaching journey began in earnest after his retirement from playing in 2019. Initially hired as an assistant to the director of player development, he quickly ascended to the role of manager for Triple-A Tacoma on January 27, 2021. His leadership led the team to a commendable 78-52 record and a Western Division Title, earning him the accolade of Triple-A West Manager of the Year.
A Versatile Playing Career
Originally from New Jersey, Negrón attended Vanden High School in California before playing a season at UC Davis. He transferred to Consumnes River College, where he caught the attention of major league scouts. The Boston Red Sox selected him in the seventh round of the 2006 MLB Draft, but he was soon traded to the Cincinnati Reds in 2009. Negrón made his MLB debut in 2012 and played two additional seasons with the Reds, accumulating 96 games over his tenure.
His career continued in the western states, with stints at the Arizona Diamondbacks, Seattle Mariners, and Los Angeles Dodgers. Across his MLB journey, Negrón showcased his versatility by playing every position on the field except for pitcher and catcher. He concluded his playing days with a batting line of .221/.291/.336, totaling 83 hits, 14 doubles, one triple, nine home runs, and 32 RBIs across 170 games.
Pirates’ Coaching Changes This Offseason
The Pirates have been proactive this offseason in reshaping their coaching staff. Manager Don Kelly, who received an extension, has made significant adjustments, including parting ways with pitching coach Oscar Marin after the season. Additionally, third base coach Mike Rabelo also saw his contract not renewed, while assistant pitching coach Brent Strom decided to step down six weeks prior to the end of the previous season.
As the Pirates look to build a competitive team for the upcoming season, Negrón’s hiring reflects their commitment to bringing fresh perspectives and leadership to the organization. With a blend of coaching experience and a diverse playing background, Negrón is poised to make a significant impact in Pittsburgh.
