The New York Yankees have officially named Brad Ausmus as their new bench coach, succeeding Carlos Mendoza who left to become the new manager of the crosstown rival Mets.
The 54-year-old Ausmus is a lifetime baseball man and brings a wealth of experience to the role … He previously managed the Detroit Tigers from 2014 to 2017 and the Los Angeles Angels in 2019.
Notably, he led the Tigers to an impressive 90-72 record and an AL Central title in his first season, only to face a Division Series sweep at the hands of the Baltimore Orioles.
The New York Yankees today announced that Brad Ausmus has been named the club’s bench coach. pic.twitter.com/sr0j8u0I4U
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) November 21, 2023
In the 2022 season, Ausmus served as the bench coach for the Oakland Athletics under manager Bob Melvin, further enhancing his coaching credentials.
He of course was a very popular journeyman catcher throughout his playing career.
Playing for four teams, including two stints in both Detroit and Houston, Ausmus was held in high regard during the course of his nearly two-decade long playing career.
Ausmus will become the third bench coach for Yankees manager Aaron Boone.
Boone expressed his confidence in Ausmus, stating: “We’re thrilled to have Brad join our coaching staff. His experience and knowledge of the game will be valuable assets as we work towards getting back to the postseason.”
Despite being well-liked by general manager Brian Cashman and the front office, Boone is very much under the microscope entering the 2024 season.
Could Ausmus be a potential insurance policy in case Boone goes further off the rails???
“This is all Cashman needs for 2024 insurance. Now Ausmus will be able to step right into the manager role when they fire Boone mid season and scapegoat him.”
This is all Cashman needs for 2024 insurance. Now Ausmus will be able to step right into the manager role when they fire Boone mid season and scapegoat him.
— Frank 🏴☠️ (@americantantrum) November 21, 2023
The Yankees, coming off a disastrous 2023 season, missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
Interestingly, Ausmus has a unique connection to the Yankees organization, as he began his professional career with them after being selected in the 48th round of the 1987 amateur draft.
Brad Ausmus is a Yankee at heart pic.twitter.com/8dCqWIILvm
— Matt (@HoodieGleyber) November 21, 2023
He attended college while in the minor leagues and was picked up by the Colorado Rockies in the expansion draft before the 1993 season.
Ausmus went on to play 18 seasons in the majors, hitting .251 with 80 home runs and 607 RBI’s.
Despite being a household name for baseball fans, some have managed to contain their excitement over the hire…
Brad Ausmus hired as Yankees bench coach pic.twitter.com/REoB4fAryf
— Jomboy (@Jomboy_) November 21, 2023
With a managerial record of 386-422, Ausmus brings a blend of leadership and experience to the bench coach role.
What are your thoughts on the hire?
Will Ausmus end up taking over for Boone in the Bronx???