The upcoming season brings a blend of continuity and change to the coaching staffs of the Yankees‘ full-season minor-league clubs. While some familiar faces remain, new leadership is set to take the helm in key positions across the organization.
What are the differences?
Shelley Duncan returns for his second season managing the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, while Raul Dominguez resumes his role for the Double-A Somerset Patriots. However, there are new appointments for the managerial roles at High-A Hudson Valley and Low-A Tampa.
After a stint with the San Francisco Giants, Nick Ortiz, rejoining the Yankees, steps in as the High-A Hudson Valley skipper, replacing Sergio Santos. James Cooper takes over at Low-A Tampa following Rachel Balkovec’s departure to the Miami Marlins as the director of player development.
Ortiz, with prior experience within the Yankees organization, brings a wealth of knowledge, having managed short-season Pulaski in 2018. His roster included several future big leaguers, showcasing his eye for talent and development. Cooper, promoted after a successful stint with the rookie league Florida Complex League Yankees, steps up to lead the Tampa Tarpons.
Duncan, a familiar face from his days as a Yankees player, led Scranton to a respectable record last season, aiming to build upon that foundation in the upcoming campaign. Dominguez returns to Somerset after a strong showing in 2023, bringing his expertise and enthusiasm for player development to the forefront.
The coaching lineup sees some adjustments as well. Brett DeGagne assumes the pitching coach role for Somerset, while Kevin Martir takes charge as the hitting coach. Hudson Valley welcomes Rick Guarno as their hitting coach, with Martir shifting from his previous role at Hudson Valley.
The 2024 minor league coaching staffs
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (AAA):
Manager: Shelley Duncan
Pitching coach: Graham Johnson
Hitting coach: Trevor Amicone
Defensive coach: José Javier
Bullpen coach: Gerardo Casadiego
Somerset Patriots (AA)
Manager: Raul Dominguez
Pitching coach: Brett DeGagne
Hitting coach: Kevin Martir
Defensive coach: Aaron Bossi
Hudson Valley (High A)
Manager: Nick Ortiz
Pitching coach: Spencer Medick
Hitting coach: Rick Guarno
Defensive coaches: Derek Woodley, Zak Wasserman
Tampa Tarpons (Low A)
Manager: James Cooper
Pitching coach: Preston Claiborne
Hitting coach: Tom DeAngelis
Defensive coach: Michel Hernandez
As the new season approaches, the Yankees organization looks forward to the expertise and dedication of its coaching staff in nurturing and developing the next generation of baseball talent.
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