After another disappointing season, the Toronto Blue Jays have parted ways with their longtime hitting coach Guillermo Martinez. Over the past month, the Blue Jays have made several personnel changes which, according to two industry sources, have now reached the major league club. Martinez spent six seasons as the Blue Jays hitting coach before parting ways with Toronto on Monday.
The Blue Jays have parted ways with hitting coach Guillermo Martinez, according to two industry sources.
— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) September 30, 2024
Blue Jays Part Ways with Longtime Hitting Coach Guillermo Martinez
Martinez has been in the Blue Jays organization since 2012 and was promoted to the majors after a year as their minor league hitting coordinator in 2019. The results have been mixed in recent seasons, particularly after the front office revamped the lineup before the 2023 season. Toronto ranked in the top five in runs scored in 2021 and 2022, but significantly declined in the past two seasons. The Jays offense was middle-of-the-pack last season averaging 4.6 runs per game, before taking a dramatic decline in 2024. This season, Toronto fell to 23rd in MLB in runs scored, averaging just 4.1 runs per game.
The 39-year-old hitting coach was instrumental in the development of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette. While Guerrero had one of the best seasons of his career, Bichette had the worst offensive season of his career. Toronto has been trending downward at an alarming rate, and after the offense failed to meet expectations once again, it was time to make a change. The Blue Jays finished the season last in the AL East and 14 games below .500 at 74-88.
It is unclear who will replace Martinez who was part of a hitting staff with offensive coordinator Don Mattingly and assistant coaches Hunter Mense and Matt Hague. While the departure of Martinez will not solve all of Toronto’s problems, it is a step in the right direction. Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins will address the media on Wednesday at their season-ending press conference.
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