The Los Angeles Dodgers have hired Chris Woodward as their new first base coach, reports Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. Woodward will be replacing Clayton McCullough who was hired by the Miami Marlins to be their new manager.
Dodgers have named Chris Woodward as their new first-base coach, replacing Clayton McCullough after he went to manage the Marlins.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) November 23, 2024
Dodgers Hire Chris Woodward as New First Base Coach
Woodward’s Previous Experience
Woodward had a 12-year playing career in MLB from 1999 to 2011. A 54th-round draft pick by the Toronto Blue Jays in 1994, he spent time with them, the New York Mets, Atlanta Braves, Seattle Mariners, and Boston Red Sox.
Woodward served in the same position for Los Angeles from 2016-2018 before being hired to become the Texas Rangers’ manager starting in 2019. The former first base coach was fired by the Rangers in the middle of the 2022 season and returned to the Dodger organization in 2023. Woodward served as senior advisor for player development and roving infield instructor.
Getting the Band Back Together
Woodward was a part of manager Dave Roberts‘ original coaching staff when Roberts was hired in 2016. Now, Woodward will take over McCullough’s former responsibilities in base running and working with the infielders. Also, third base coach Dino Ebel will switch from the infielders to the outfielders. It will be interesting to see who gets the lion’s share of responsibility for defensive positioning, now that McCullough is in Miami.
Everything Old is New Again
There is bound to be turnover to some degree for the World Series champions. After all, success breeds change. However, with Woodward rejoining the Dodgers in his old role there has to be a certain level of comfort. Los Angeles General Manager Brandon Gomes referred to Woodward as “a staple to this organization.” He also credits the first base coach as being a crucial part of the Dodgers’ drive to win back-to-back National League Championships in 2017 and 2018.
Photo Credit: © Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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