Yankees on a return spree, want ex-pitcher as bench coach

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The New York Yankees are reportedly considering an interview with a familiar face to fill the vacant bench coach position. Following the departure of Carlos Mendoza to the New York Mets, the Yankees are in the process of finding a replacement for the open spot this offseason. They want Andrew Bailey, a former Yankees relief pitcher.

Andrew Bailey, a New Jersey native and former pitching coach for the San Francisco Giants, was scheduled for an interview on Monday for the Yankees’ bench coach position, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post.

The ex-Yankees pitcher has been a candidate for pitching coach positions with the Boston Red Sox, Baltimore Orioles, and Miami Marlins. However, he declined an opportunity with the Chicago White Sox.

Since 2020, Andrew Bailey has served as the pitching coach for the San Francisco Giants, but it appears that he might be exploring other options for the 2024 season. With an eight-year career as a pitcher in the MLB and two All-Star selections, the former Yankees player has experience with the Oakland Athletics, Boston Red Sox, Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, and Los Angeles Angels.

While recent speculation links Andrew Bailey to a potential pitching coach role with the Red Sox, the likelihood of such a signing remains unclear. The Red Sox have recently appointed his former teammate, Craig Breslow, as the club’s chief baseball officer, which could introduce complexities to the Yankees’ considerations.

Who is Andrew Bailey?

Andrew Bailey enjoyed an eight-season career as a reliever in the majors, representing five teams from 2009 onward. His noteworthy achievements include winning the Rookie of the Year award in 2009 with the Oakland Athletics and securing two All-Star nods in his initial two years. Unfortunately, Andrew Bailey struggled to replicate this early success due to injuries, leading him to move among four other teams, including a stint with the New York Yankees organization in 2014, before retiring after the 2017 season.

The right-hander, chosen by the Oakland Athletics in the sixth round (188th overall) of the 2006 MLB draft, received a signing bonus of $135,000. Against the odds, Andrew Bailey secured a spot on the Athletics’ Opening Day 25-man roster for the 2009 season, making his major league debut on April 6, 2009, with a scoreless inning against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He earned All-Star selections in both 2009 and 2010.

Following a trade from Oakland to the Boston Red Sox on December 28, 2011, Andrew Bailey faced a shift in roles due to thumb reconstructive surgery. Initially a middle reliever, he later assumed the closer position. After the 2013 season, the Red Sox non-tendered Andrew Bailey, making him a free agent amid a series of injuries.

Andrew Bailey with the Yankees

Andrew Bailey entered into a minor league agreement with the New York Yankees on February 22, 2014, featuring a $2.5 million salary contingent on making the major league roster, along with a club option for the 2015 season. Facing several setbacks in his recovery from a shoulder injury, Bailey’s exclusion from the 2014 season was confirmed on August 17. Subsequently, the Yankees opted for a fresh minor league contract, finalized on November 7, 2014, following the rejection of his 2015 option a few days prior.

Bailey received a promotion to the major leagues by the Yankees on September 1, 2015. Making his first appearance in a game in two years on September 2 against Boston, he entered in the seventh inning. Across 10 appearances, he recorded a 5.19 ERA. However, on November 3, the Yankees opted not to exercise Bailey’s option for the 2016 season, leading to his free agency.

Later career and coaching

Subsequently, Bailey secured a minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies in December 2015, along with an invitation to spring training. He was called up to the Phillies on April 20, 2016, but was designated for assignment on August 2 and ultimately released on August 6.

Turning the page, Bailey signed a minor league deal with the Los Angeles Angels on August 13, 2016. His late-August call-up resulted in six saves for the Angels in 12 games, boasting a 2.38 ERA and a 0.971 WHIP. Recognizing his contributions, the Angels inked Bailey to a one-year, $1 million contract on November 9. Unfortunately, his 2017 season was curtailed by a shoulder injury, limiting his participation to just four games.

On February 26, 2018, Bailey declared his retirement, opting for a role as the instant replay coordinator and coaching assistant for the Los Angeles Angels. He served as the Angels bullpen coach throughout the 2019 season. In anticipation of the 2020 season, Bailey secured a position as the pitching coach for the San Francisco Giants.

Bailey, aged 39 and originally from Voorhees, concluded his tenure as the San Francisco Giants’ pitching coach after four seasons when his contract expired. He is also currently considered a potential pitching coach for the Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox.

Is he suitable to be the Yankees’ bench coach? Leave your comment below.

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