{"id":118231,"date":"2026-04-08T15:55:29","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T19:55:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=118231"},"modified":"2026-04-08T15:55:29","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T19:55:29","slug":"mlbs-new-power-role-how-former-players-are-shaping-front-offices-in-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2026\/04\/08\/mlbs-new-power-role-how-former-players-are-shaping-front-offices-in-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"MLB\u2019s New Power Role: How Former Players Are Shaping Front Offices in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"428\" data-end=\"525\">There\u2019s a growing trend across Major League Baseball in 2026\u2014and it\u2019s not happening on the field.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"527\" data-end=\"871\">Instead, it\u2019s happening inside front offices, where former stars like <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/h\/hunteto01.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Torii Hunter<\/span><\/span><\/a>, <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/m\/martijd02.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">J. D. Martinez<\/span><\/span><\/a>, <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/j\/jonesad01.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Adam Jones<\/span><\/span><\/a>, <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/b\/blackch02.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Charlie Blackmon<\/span><\/span><\/a>, and <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/m\/matsuhi01.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Hideki Matsui<\/span><\/span><\/a> are taking on influential roles as special advisors to general managers.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"873\" data-end=\"1062\">These aren\u2019t ceremonial titles. In today\u2019s game\u2014where analytics dominate decision-making\u2014these former players are becoming essential voices, bridging the gap between data and the clubhouse.<\/p>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"19ibqme\" data-start=\"1069\" data-end=\"1128\">Torii Hunter: Culture, Leadership, and Player Mentorship<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1130\" data-end=\"1283\">With the <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/teams\/ANA\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Los Angeles Angels<\/span><\/span><\/a>, Torii Hunter serves as a special advisor focused heavily on player development and clubhouse culture.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1285\" data-end=\"1567\">Hunter\u2019s role is rooted in leadership. He works directly with young players, helping them adjust to the pressures of the big leagues\u2014something spreadsheets can\u2019t teach. His experience as a five-time All-Star and respected veteran gives him credibility in a way few others can match.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1569\" data-end=\"1679\">For a team still building toward contention, Hunter provides something invaluable: trust and relatability.<\/p>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"pntr11\" data-start=\"1686\" data-end=\"1739\">J.D. Martinez: The Hitting Brain Behind the Scenes<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_90846\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-90846\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/11\/USATSI_24032366-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-90846\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/11\/USATSI_24032366-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/11\/USATSI_24032366-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/11\/USATSI_24032366-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/11\/USATSI_24032366-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/11\/USATSI_24032366-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/11\/USATSI_24032366-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/11\/USATSI_24032366-1200x800.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-90846\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Aug 19, 2024; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets designated hitter JD Martinez (28) hits a two-run home run against the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p data-start=\"1741\" data-end=\"1897\">Now working with the <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/teams\/NYM\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">New York Mets<\/span><\/span><\/a>, J.D. Martinez brings one of the most analytical hitting minds in baseball <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2026\/03\/31\/mets-reunite-jd-martinez-special-advisor-baseball-operations\/\" target=\"_self\">into the front office<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1899\" data-end=\"1941\">Martinez\u2019s responsibilities center around:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1942\" data-end=\"2083\">\n<li data-section-id=\"1kwnbpd\" data-start=\"1942\" data-end=\"1985\">Hitting development across all levels<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1hqfblz\" data-start=\"1986\" data-end=\"2029\">Game planning and approach refinement<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"12buq6g\" data-start=\"2030\" data-end=\"2083\">Blending analytics with real player adjustments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2085\" data-end=\"2336\">Known during his career for reinventing his swing through data, Martinez is uniquely qualified to translate advanced metrics into actionable advice. For a Mets roster in 2026 that blends veterans with emerging talent, his voice carries serious weight.<\/p>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"w9582x\" data-start=\"2343\" data-end=\"2398\">Adam Jones: The Organizational Backbone in Baltimore<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2400\" data-end=\"2575\">Back with the <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/teams\/BAL\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Baltimore Orioles<\/span><\/span><\/a>, Adam Jones serves as a special advisor to the GM and community ambassador, but his impact goes far beyond appearances.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2577\" data-end=\"2605\">Jones is deeply involved in:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2606\" data-end=\"2726\">\n<li data-section-id=\"cre592\" data-start=\"2606\" data-end=\"2629\">Player mentorship<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"f61yck\" data-start=\"2630\" data-end=\"2667\">Organizational culture building<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"fpenap\" data-start=\"2668\" data-end=\"2726\">Connecting front office strategy with player mindset<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2728\" data-end=\"2897\">As a <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2024\/02\/18\/orioles-spring-training-coaches\/\" target=\"_self\">franchise icon<\/a>, Jones represents continuity for a young Orioles core. He understands both the expectations of the organization and the realities players face daily.<\/p>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"4qoff7\" data-start=\"2904\" data-end=\"2961\">Charlie Blackmon: Immediate Transition to Baseball Ops<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_72685\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-72685\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/05\/USATSI_23083283_168403884_lowres-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-72685\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/05\/USATSI_23083283_168403884_lowres-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/05\/USATSI_23083283_168403884_lowres-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/05\/USATSI_23083283_168403884_lowres-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/05\/USATSI_23083283_168403884_lowres-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/05\/USATSI_23083283_168403884_lowres-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/05\/USATSI_23083283_168403884_lowres-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/05\/USATSI_23083283_168403884_lowres-1200x800.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-72685\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Apr 21, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies designated hitter Charlie Blackmon (19) runs to third in the fifth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p data-start=\"2963\" data-end=\"3100\">Few transitions have been as seamless as Charlie Blackmon\u2019s move into a front office role with the <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\"><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/teams\/COL\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Colorado Rockie<\/a>s<\/span><\/span>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3102\" data-end=\"3157\">Serving as a special assistant to the GM, Blackmon:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3158\" data-end=\"3272\">\n<li data-section-id=\"12x05r2\" data-start=\"3158\" data-end=\"3194\">Works with hitters and outfielders<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1d3ddsm\" data-start=\"3195\" data-end=\"3225\">Assists in player evaluation<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1xp3ajs\" data-start=\"3226\" data-end=\"3272\">Offers real-time insight on roster decisions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3274\" data-end=\"3432\">What makes Blackmon unique is his recency\u2014he\u2019s just removed from the game. That gives him a sharp perspective on how today\u2019s players think, train, and adjust.<\/p>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"73d7i5\" data-start=\"3439\" data-end=\"3501\">Hideki Matsui: International Insight and Player Development<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_88223\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-88223\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/10\/USATSI_24071519-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-88223\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/10\/USATSI_24071519-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/10\/USATSI_24071519-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/10\/USATSI_24071519-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/10\/USATSI_24071519-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/10\/USATSI_24071519-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/10\/USATSI_24071519-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/10\/USATSI_24071519-1200x800.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-88223\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Aug 24, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; Former New York Yankees outfielder Hideki Matsui is introduced at the Old Timers\u00d5 Day Ceremony at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p data-start=\"3503\" data-end=\"3680\">With the <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/teams\/NYY\/2003.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">New York Yankees<\/span><\/span><\/a>, Hideki Matsui plays a critical role as a special advisor focused on hitting development and international player integration.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3682\" data-end=\"3713\">Matsui\u2019s contributions include:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3714\" data-end=\"3859\">\n<li data-section-id=\"1ugvc92\" data-start=\"3714\" data-end=\"3749\">Working with minor league hitters<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1nz7he2\" data-start=\"3750\" data-end=\"3808\">Helping Japanese and international players adjust to MLB<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"znuv0e\" data-start=\"3809\" data-end=\"3859\">Supporting the Yankees\u2019 global scouting pipeline<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3861\" data-end=\"3982\">His presence reflects the modern game\u2019s global reach\u2014and the need for advisors who understand multiple baseball cultures.<\/p>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"j9p28t\" data-start=\"3989\" data-end=\"4029\">Why This Role Is Exploding Across MLB<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"4031\" data-end=\"4081\">The rise of the special advisor role isn\u2019t \u0441\u043b\u0443\u0447\u0430\u0439.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4083\" data-end=\"4224\">Front offices are more analytical than ever\u2014but players still rely on feel, routine, and experience. That\u2019s where these former stars come in.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4226\" data-end=\"4239\">They provide:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4240\" data-end=\"4382\">\n<li data-section-id=\"11gb4kw\" data-start=\"4240\" data-end=\"4274\">Credibility in the clubhouse<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"87girq\" data-start=\"4275\" data-end=\"4327\">Translation of analytics into real adjustments<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"y9ycur\" data-start=\"4328\" data-end=\"4382\">Mentorship for young players navigating MLB life<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"4384\" data-end=\"4462\">In short, they are the human element in an increasingly data-driven sport.<\/p>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"5j01lb\" data-start=\"4469\" data-end=\"4489\">The Takeaway<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"4491\" data-end=\"4635\">As teams continue to <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2024\/08\/22\/edgar-martinez-coaching-staff\/\" target=\"_self\">search for competitive edges<\/a>, the integration of former players into front office roles is becoming a league-wide strategy.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4637\" data-end=\"4825\">Whether it\u2019s Torii Hunter shaping culture, J.D. Martinez refining swings, or Adam Jones reinforcing identity, these advisors are quietly influencing wins and losses from behind the scenes.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4827\" data-end=\"4883\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">And in 2026, their impact has never been more important.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There\u2019s a growing trend across Major League Baseball in 2026\u2014and it\u2019s not happening on the field. Instead, it\u2019s happening inside front offices, where former stars like Torii Hunter, J. D. Martinez, Adam Jones, Charlie Blackmon, and Hideki Matsui are taking on influential roles as special advisors to general managers. These aren\u2019t ceremonial titles. In today\u2019s [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5710,"featured_media":66891,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"698","footnotes":""},"categories":[3,4454,32,2,16,22,5],"tags":[258,106,941,156,69,4079,41],"class_list":["post-118231","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-orioles","category-baseball-history","category-rockies","category-featured","category-angels","category-mets","category-yankees","tag-baltimore-orioles","tag-colorado-rockies","tag-latest-mlb-news","tag-los-angeles-angels","tag-mlb","tag-nee-york-mets","tag-new-york-yankees"],"modified_by":"Eddie Lennon, Staff Writer","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/118231","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5710"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=118231"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/118231\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":118232,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/118231\/revisions\/118232"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/66891"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=118231"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=118231"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=118231"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}