The Minnesota Twins have begun a major overhaul of their coaching staff, parting ways with multiple hitting coaches in a move aimed at revitalizing the team’s offense. The shakeup marks a significant shift in the organization’s approach. Minnesota has informed hitting coach David Popkins that he won’t return next season. Along with Popkins, assistant hitting coaches Rudy Hernandez and Derek Shoman will not return to the staff next season. Infield coach/assistant bench coach Tony Diaz will not return to next year’s staff.
We have announced the following changes for our coaching staff: pic.twitter.com/HCnyJeBBK4
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) October 2, 2024
Twins Part Ways with Multiple Coaches
The Twins tapped Popkins to be their hitting coach in 2022. In that year, the team finished with a .248/.317/.401 batting line and a record of 78-84. However, in 2023, the Twins saw a turnaround, finishing 87-75 and winning the American League Central division title. Their hitters posted a .248/.326/.428 for a 109 wRC+. The Twins’ 2024 playoff bid was derailed by a dismal September, where they went 9-18 and hit just .246/.315/.411.
After the season, four or more members of the coaching staff turned over, which has only happened three other times in franchise history: in 1969, 2014, and 2018. Each of these prior instances led to managerial changes, with new managers bringing in their own coaching staff.
The new hitting leadership will aim to improve the Twins, who were held to four or fewer runs in 24 of their final 30 games, contributing to their fall in the standings. The bats were inconsistent due to the Twins’ dismal 7-13 start to the season.
Multiple Twins players expressed satisfaction with Popkins as hitting coach, per MLB.com’s Do-Hyoung Park. The Twins hired Popkins away from the Los Angeles Dodgers before the 2022 season and promoted Shomon from their minor league ranks in 2023. However, there is a strong possibility that Shomon could return to a role in the player development department.
Main Photo: © Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
