Overview
- On Oct. 20, multiple reports said Anthony Iapoce will not return as Detroit’s first-base coach in 2026, marking the Tigers’ first coaching-staff change in two years.
- MLB.com reported that the team has not announced or confirmed any staff changes.
- Iapoce, 52, joined A. J. Hinch’s staff after managing Triple-A Toledo in 2023 and previously served as a hitting coach for the Rangers and Cubs and as Boston’s senior hitting coordinator.
- He returned from knee surgery before the 2025 season and was regarded as popular with players, who wore “Coach Poce” shirts during pregame work.
- MLB.com flagged Triple-A manager Gabe Alvarez as a leading internal option, with broader MLB staff turnover potentially yielding external candidates.