The Pittsburgh Pirates embarked on a meticulous hitting coach search after parting ways with Andy Haines at the conclusion of the previous season. This decision was not taken lightly, as the Pirates recognized the importance of having a skilled hitting coach to enhance the team's offensive capabilities.

Unlock the Pirates' Offensive Potential with a New Hitting Coach

Background and Hiring Process

The Pirates took their time in selecting Haines' successor, waiting over six weeks into the offseason before hiring Matt Hague. Hague's appointment was an interesting choice as he had only one year of major-league experience, having served as the Toronto Blue Jays' assistant hitting coach the previous season. This lack of extensive coaching experience did not deter the Pirates, who saw potential in Hague and believed he could turn around an offense that had struggled in various aspects in 2024. 1: The Pirates' general manager, Ben Cherington, emphasized the significance of player feedback during the hiring process. They reached out to a dozen players who had worked with Hague, whether with the Blue Jays or those who had left Toronto. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting Hague's skills as a coach, a connector, and a problem solver. He was praised for his ability to work with players and stay current with the latest tech and training methods. 2: Hague himself has an interesting background. He was the Pirates' ninth-round draft pick in 2008 from Oklahoma State and made brief appearances in 33 major-league games with the team in 2012 and 2014. His journey from a draft pick to a potential hitting coach shows the Pirates' faith in his abilities.

The Volatility of the Job

In baseball, few jobs are as volatile as that of a major-league hitting coach. Teams often cycle through them quickly, and Hague will be Derek Shelton's third hitting coach during his five-year tenure. This highlights the challenges and uncertainties associated with the role. 1: While pitching coach Oscar Marin and bench coach Don Kelly have been with Shelton's staff since 2020, the hitting coach position seems to be in a constant state of flux. This volatility emphasizes the need for a coach who can quickly adapt to the team's needs and players. 2: Cherington acknowledged the difficulty of the job and the need to focus on serving the hitters rather than personal preferences. He stressed the importance of conducting thorough due diligence and assessing competencies during the hiring process to ensure the best fit for the team.

The Pirates' Offensive Goals for 2025

The Pirates are aiming to break a string of six consecutive losing seasons and need to increase their production in terms of hits and runs. They are pinning their hopes on Hague to get the lineup cooking. 1: With an offense that ranked 23rd in batting average, 24th in runs, 25th in home runs, and 26th in on-base percentage in 2024, there is significant room for improvement. Hague will face the challenge of revitalizing the team's offense and helping the players reach their full potential. 2: The Pirates' management believes that Hague's unique skills and approach can make a difference. They are providing him with the support and resources needed to succeed and are optimistic about the future of the team's offense under his leadership.