Rachel Balkovec Hired as Marlins' Director of Player Development

Balkovec becomes first woman to hold such a position in MLB, tasked with improving player development amid front office changes.

Rachel Balkovec has been hired by the Miami Marlins as their director of player development, making her the first woman to hold such a position in the MLB.
Balkovec has a decade of experience in organized baseball, including two years managing the Tampa Tarpons, the New York Yankees' Single-A affiliate, where she had a record of 122-136.
Prior to her managerial role, Balkovec was the first woman to serve as a full-time minor league strength and conditioning coach and the first to be a full-time hitting coach in the minors with the Yankees.
Balkovec's hiring is part of a series of front office changes for the Marlins, who recently hired Peter Bendix as their new president of baseball operations.
Balkovec's role will involve improving the Marlins' player development, particularly for homegrown position players, an area where the team has struggled in recent years.