The New York Yankees are shaking things up after a disappointing end to their 2025 season, and change is definitely in the air. Following their ALDS loss to the Blue Jays, the team wasted no time making some significant adjustments to their coaching staff. This news comes after a season that, while promising at times, ultimately fell short of expectations.
On Tuesday, SNY's Andy Martino reported some major changes. Longtime bullpen coach Mike Harkey and first base/infield coach Travis Chapman are not expected to return next season. This is a significant shift, as both coaches have been integral parts of the Yankees' setup for years. Martino also hinted that more changes could be coming during the offseason, suggesting the team is looking for a fresh start.
Mike Harkey, aged 58, has been a fixture in the Yankees' bullpen, serving in that role since 2016. However, his tenure is even longer than that, as he also held the position from 2008 to 2013. Travis Chapman, on the other hand, has been with the team since 2022.
But here's where it gets interesting: Yankees hitting coach James Rowson has been given permission to interview for the Twins' managerial vacancy. Minnesota parted ways with their former skipper, Rocco Baldelli, after the 2025 season. This opens up a potential opportunity for Rowson to take the reins, which could further reshape the Yankees' coaching landscape.
The Yankees' bullpen struggled in 2025, with a regular season ERA of 4.37 and a playoff ERA of 6.15. Even after aggressive moves at the trade deadline, bringing in pitchers like David Bednar, Camilo Doval, and Jake Bird, late-inning pitching remained a weakness. Could this be a sign of underlying issues within the coaching staff's approach?
What do you think of these changes? Are they the right moves for the Yankees? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Do you think the bullpen struggles were solely due to coaching, or were there other factors at play?
