Yankees coaching shakeup axes Boone’s two close aides, two more on way out

Follow Us

NEW YORK — The New York Yankees have started a major shakeup of Aaron Boone’s coaching staff following another frustrating postseason exit. Two of Boone’s longest-serving assistants have been let go, and two others may soon leave for new opportunities as the club begins restructuring ahead of the 2026 season.

The Yankees confirmed Tuesday that bullpen coach Mike Harkey and first base coach Travis Chapman will not return. Meanwhile, hitting coach James Rowson and third base coach Luis Rojas are exploring managerial jobs elsewhere, signaling that the Bronx Bombers’ staff could look very different next year.

The overhaul marks the most sweeping set of changes since Boone took over as Yankees manager in 2018. While Boone is expected to return for his ninth season, the core of his coaching group will be dramatically altered.

Harkey exits after 16 years with Yankees

Harkey’s departure closes out a long and loyal relationship with the Yankees spanning 16 years across two stints. The 58-year-old first joined the franchise in 2008 under then-manager Joe Girardi and remained one of the few remaining links to New York’s 2009 World Series championship team.

Known for his approachable personality and strong ties with pitchers, Harkey was considered one of Boone’s most trusted confidants. Boone has often praised Harkey publicly, calling him an anchor for the team.

“For me, he’s such a rock and an amazing sounding board and friend,” Boone said previously. “So much experience now in the game as a player and as a coach. Obviously great at what he does and in his role. I just feel so lucky that he’s on our staff and been a rock for me over the years.”

Despite that bond, the Yankees bullpen struggled significantly in 2025. The relievers posted a 4.37 ERA, which ranked 23rd in the majors. Key contributors such as Devin Williams and Luke Weaver saw notable regression, turning what had long been one of the Yankees’ greatest strengths into a weak spot.

In an email on Tuesday, Harkey expressed gratitude to the team and its fans.

“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!!” Harkey wrote.

Chapman’s defensive struggles seal fate

First base coach Travis Chapman, 47, joined Boone’s staff in 2022 and was known for his versatility, working as both infield instructor and baserunning coordinator. Internally, he was respected for his scouting eye and ability to read opposing pitchers.

But the Yankees’ defensive metrics in 2025 told a different story. The infield ranked 16th in outs above average, a sharp decline from previous seasons. The most alarming regression came from shortstop Anthony Volpe, who had been a Gold Glove finalist as a rookie in 2024 but fell to the bottom tier of defenders in 2025.

Chapman’s methods came under heavier scrutiny during a crucial August series against the Miami Marlins, when sloppy baserunning and fielding mistakes cost the Yankees key games. One play in particular — Jazz Chisholm Jr. being doubled off first base on a routine pop-up — drew visible frustration from Boone in the dugout, though the manager later brushed off the exchange publicly.

Rowson likely to leave with managerial offer

While Harkey and Chapman were dismissed, hitting coach James Rowson appears to be leaving on his own terms. The Yankees granted the Minnesota Twins permission to interview him for their vacant managerial position.

Rowson’s potential departure comes at a time when the Yankees offense has been among the best in baseball. Under his leadership, New York led the American League in runs, home runs, and OPS over the past two seasons. In 2025, they finished as the highest-scoring team in MLB.

The 49-year-old Mount Vernon, New York, native previously worked for the Twins from 2017 to 2019, when he helped shape the record-breaking “Bomba Squad” lineup that smashed 307 home runs. Before returning to the Yankees in 2023, he spent three years with the Miami Marlins as bench coach under Don Mattingly, giving him valuable managerial experience.

Rowson’s upbeat and engaging style has made him a favorite among players, especially Aaron Judge, who first worked with him when Rowson served as the Yankees’ minor league hitting coordinator. His pregame meetings are known for mixing preparation with humor, keeping the clubhouse relaxed and focused.

Other candidates for the Twins’ job include former Pirates manager Derek Shelton and Red Sox bench coach Ramon Vazquez, following Minnesota’s decision to part ways with Rocco Baldelli after a 70-92 season.

Rojas seeks return to manager’s chair

Third base coach Luis Rojas, who managed the New York Mets from 2020 to 2021, has also interviewed for a managerial opening. According to reports, Rojas met with the Baltimore Orioles about their vacant position. Inside the Yankees organization, Rojas is regarded as a strong candidate to manage again in the near future.

If Rojas and Rowson both depart, Boone would lose two of his most experienced and respected lieutenants. The Yankees have indicated they’d prefer to keep both, but will not stand in their way should they land managerial roles elsewhere.

Fresh face joins big league staff

The Yankees plan to promote Jake Hirst, their minor league hitting coordinator, to the major league coaching staff. Hirst has worked closely with many of the organization’s top young players, including Anthony Volpe, Austin Wells, Jasson Domínguez, and Ben Rice, during his time at High-A Hudson Valley and Double-A Somerset.

Hirst’s familiarity with New York’s homegrown talent made him a natural fit for promotion, and several other MLB clubs reportedly expressed interest in him this fall.

In addition, the Yankees are exploring a new organizational role for assistant hitting coach Pat Roessler, who has longstanding relationships with stars such as Judge and Juan Soto. Roessler, 65, has deep roots in the organization, having worked in player development for the Yankees in the mid-2000s before later coaching with the Washington Nationals.

More changes could be coming

The coaching shakeup may not stop there. Bench coach Brad Ausmus and Rojas both have contracts expiring this offseason. Pitching coach Matt Blake and catching coordinator Tanner Swanson have club options for 2026.

Blake, who has earned high marks since joining the Yankees in 2019, told reporters in August that he hopes to remain in New York. The pitching staff finished 2025 with a 3.61 ERA despite long-term injuries to Gerrit Cole, Clarke Schmidt, and Luis Gil.

After another early postseason exit — a loss to the Toronto Blue Jays in the ALDS — the Yankees are searching for new voices to complement Boone and reignite the club’s championship push. With Boone staying but much of his staff changing, the organization is clearly signaling that it expects results, not excuses, in 2026.

What do you think? Leave your comment below.

Follow Us