Changes in Yankees Coaching Staff Ahead of Ninth Season for Aaron Boone

Aaron Boone is set to return for his ninth season as the manager of the Yankees, though it seems his coaching staff will undergo some notable changes.

According to Joel Sherman from the Journal, the Yankees will not be retaining long-time bullpen coach Mike Harkey or first base and infield coach Travis Chapman. Meanwhile, hitting coach James Lawson is reportedly in the mix for the open manager’s spot with the Twins, as shared by Sherman and Jon Heyman.

The exits of Harkey and Chapman followed a disappointing season in which the Yankees were eliminated by the Blue Jays in the ALDS. Harkey and Chapman’s departures were initially reported by SNY.

In the case of Lawson, the Yankees have granted the Twins permission to interview him. He managed to lead an offense that topped the majors in scoring this past season and has a previous stint as the Twins’ hitting coach from 2017 to 2019, which has earned him considerable respect in Minnesota.

Harkey, aged 58, was not only a close friend to Boone but also cherished by the players. He previously served as Joe Girardi’s bullpen coach. Joining the Yankees’ staff back in 2008 alongside Girardi, he was the last uniformed member connected to their last World Series win in 2009. His bullpen usually performed well, but this season they posted a 4.37 ERA, ranking eighth in the majors.

Boone was quoted saying, “For me, he’s such a rock and a great confidant and friend,” reflecting on Harkey last year. “He’s got a lot of experience in the game now, both as a player and as a coach.” He clearly valued Harkey’s contributions over the years.

Chapman, 47, who has been part of Boone’s team since 2022, drew some criticism for errors this season, most notably during an August game against the Marlins where a communication breakdown led to a double play situation. Boone appeared frustrated in the dugout, but Chapman later described it as just a discussion about communication.

In contrast, Chapman was also recognized for his role as infield coach during the successful performance of rookie Anthony Volpe, who won a Gold Glove despite some ups and downs during the season.

As for Lawson, the energetic 49-year-old is still a well-liked figure in Minnesota, having spent time catching up with former team members during the Yankees’ recent visit to Target Field.

Looking at potential successors for the Twins’ manager position, candidates include ex-Pirates manager Derek Shelton and Red Sox bench coach Ramon Vazquez, following the firing of Rocco Baldelli after a rough season.

Lawson’s previous experience includes coaching as the Marlins’ bench coach from 2020 to 2022 before joining Boone’s staff in 2024. Notably, he was part of the 2019 Twins team that set a record with 307 home runs, a record later matched by the Braves in 2023.

Coming from Mount Vernon, Lawson has garnered admiration in the Yankees’ clubhouse, including from Aaron Judge, with whom he first collaborated as the minor league hitting coordinator. His lively pregame meetings have been a hit, effectively blending preparation with entertainment to keep the team engaged.