Overview
- Multiple outlets reported Wednesday that James Rowson is leaving the Yankees and is expected to join the San Francisco Giants in an expanded offensive coordinator role that covers hitting, baserunning, and situational offense.
- Yankees general manager Brian Cashman told reporters at the GM meetings in Las Vegas that Rowson is a free agent and the club is evaluating internal and external hitting-coach options.
- Rowson’s departure is the latest of three senior exits from Aaron Boone’s staff this week after bench coach Brad Ausmus and field coordinator Tanner Swanson took roles elsewhere, leaving key vacancies to fill.
- Teams can still hire coaches during a lockout but new coaches could not have work-related contact with players on 40-man rosters after Dec. 1, creating urgency for the Yankees to complete hires soon.
- Rowson leaves with a multi-team resume and mixed recent results in New York, and his exit leaves assistant coaches Casey Dykes and Jake Hirst’s futures uncertain while owner Hal Steinbrenner’s public criticism of the offense increases scrutiny of the club’s hitting strategy.