Overview
- Multiple baseball insiders reported Friday that Aaron Bates will not return to the Dodgers after 12 years in the organization.
- MLB Trade Rumors and other reporters said the split followed a breakdown in negotiations over a proposed multiyear contract.
- Bates rose through the Dodgers’ minor‑league system, joined the major‑league staff as an assistant hitting coach in 2019, and was promoted to co‑hitting coach in 2023.
- The move was unexpected because the team had publicly signaled it expected coaching continuity, leaving the Dodgers with a clear vacancy to address during offseason staff planning.
- Bates’ long tenure and playoff success should attract interest from other clubs, and the Dodgers may choose to hire externally or promote from their minor‑league coaches to replace him.