BRONX, N.Y. — The New York Yankees have announced the first changes to the coaching staff following the disappointing finish to the 2021 season.
Just spoke w/ Marcus Thames. Story coming soon.
"They made a decision," Thames said. "I just hate that we didn't win a championship. But they want to go in a different direction, and I guess. I wasn't the voice that they thought to get us over the hump." #Yankees
— Brendan Kuty (@BrendanKutyNJ) October 14, 2021
Marcus Thames was the Yankees hitting coach since the 2018 season, and had been a coach in the organization since 2013. Despite his tenure, the Yankees saw a noticeable dip in offensive production this season. The team finished No. 23 in hits and batting average, No. 30 in doubles, and No. 17 in slugging percentage. Meanwhile, the Yankees’ sixth-place finish in home runs was the team’s lowest finish since 2016.
The team has yet to announce replacement plans for Thames and likely will hold off on staffing changes until deciding the fate of manager Aaron Boone. One name that won’t be filling the role will be assistant hitting coach P. J. Pilittere, who is also no longer with the organization.
Thames wasn’t the only coach to be let go by the organization.
News: Yankees have also informed third base coach Phil Nevin that his contract will not be renewed for the 2022 season.
— Lindsey Adler (@lindseyadler) October 14, 2021
Phil Nevin had served as the third base coach for the team since the 2018 season. Many fans grew frustrated with Nevin over the season as multiple Yankees were thrown out on the bases. The team had the eighth-most runners thrown out on the bases this season while tying the Kansas City Royals for the most base runners thrown out at the plate.
Finally, no decision has been made on Boone. Regardless if they bring Boone back or not, the 2022 Yankees should look and feel quite different than their 2021 counterparts.
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