The New York Yankees are wasting no time reshaping their coaching staff following last week’s ALDS loss to the Toronto Blue Jays.
According to SNY’s Andy Martino, longtime bullpen coach Mike Harkey and first base/infield coach Travis Chapman will not return for the 2026 season, and additional staff changes could follow.
Harkey, 58, has held the bullpen coach position since 2016, marking his second stint in that role after previously serving from 2008 to 2013. Chapman joined the major league staff in 2022, focusing on infield defense and baserunning.
Hitting coach James Rowson has also received permission to interview for the Minnesota Twins’ managerial vacancy after the team parted ways with Rocco Baldelli. Rowson, who previously worked in Minnesota’s organization as a hitting coordinator, has drawn interest for his developmental track record. Also, the Baltimore Orioles have interviewed Yankees’ third-base coach Luis Rojas for their managerial opening.
The Yankees’ bullpen underperformed in 2025 despite midseason trades for relievers David Bednar, Camilo Doval, and Jake Bird. New York’s relief corps posted a 4.37 ERA in the regular season and a 6.15 ERA in the postseason, contributing to the club’s early exit. Defensive inconsistency compounded the struggles, prompting leadership to seek fresh voices on the coaching staff.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].