Yankees announce pair of coaching staff changes ahead of offseason

Justin Backer

Yankees announce pair of coaching staff changes ahead of offseason image

The New York Yankees are making several changes to their coaching staff, announcing that bullpen coach Mike Harkey and infield coach Travis Chapman will not return to the team in 2026, per Andy Martino of SNY

The reasoning for these moves could be performance related. In 2025, the Yankees bullpen struggled mightily, posting a 4.37 ERA, good for 23rd in all of baseball. This season saw the decline of relievers Devin Williams and Luke Weaver, and saw newcomers Camilo Doval, and Jake Bird struggle upon their arrival in the Bronx.

In the infield, the Yankees lacked visible fundamental ability at times, and former Gold Glove winning shortstop Anthony Volpe led the American League with 19 errors. Additionally, second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. accumulated 18 errors, and Ben Rice and Paul Goldschmidt each had five. 

Replacements for Harkey and Chapman have yet to be announced, but it’s clear that the Yankees are looking to play cleaner baseball in 2026. After another disappointing playoff exit this season, the Yankees are looking to right the ship next season as they continue their quest for their 28th World Series crown, and their first since 2009. The best way to do so, is by cleaning up the sloppiness that has plagued the Yankees for quite some time now.  

Justin Backer

Justin Backer is a freelance writer for The Sporting News. A graduate of Florida Atlantic University, Justin began his sports writing career in 2023 and has previously written for Empire Sports Media and currently covers FAU Athletics for The Palm Beach Post.