Minnesota Twins Move On From Hitting Coach After Disastrous Finish
MLB Playoffs started today, but you wouldn’t know that since you’re a Minnesota Twins fan. In a perfect world, Minnesotans (and others who claim the Twins) would be getting ready for some October baseball, but a team that seemed like a near lock to reach the postseason completely fell apart.
One of the biggest reasons for the Twins’ demise was having an offense that went ice-cold as summer turned to fall. From July to August, the Twins had a respectable batting average of .266. In 27 games in September, when they went 9-18, they hit just .218.
You thought Manuel Margot was bad? Even if he went 0-for-35 in pinch-hit opportunities, at least Margot hit .238 for the season. On Tuesday, during the first chance the Twins got, they did something to address their hitting woes for next season.
Related: Did Royce Lewis Call Out Carlos Correa After Minnesota Twins Season Finale?
Minnesota Twins point blame at hitting coach David Popkins
As expected, the Minnesota Twins are not moving on from Rocco Baldelli. But they will be making a coaching change.
According to The Athletic’s Dan Hayes, the Twins have informed hitting coach David Popkins that his services won’t be needed in Minnesota next season. However, Popkins is not being fired. His contract is simply expiring, and the Twins are choosing not to discuss a future with him.
It’s not yet known whether assistant hitting coaches Derek Shomon or Rudy Hernandez will return to the Twins in 2025. Some players, including Carlos Correa had been vocal about their support for Popkins after a strong season, yet it appears even he spoke of him in the past-tense on Sunday.
“Definitely learned a lot about my swing, learned a lot about my approach, learned a lot about just the game in general. Popkins helped me understand myself a little better. A .900 OPS for some people comes with homers and walks. For me, it comes with being a little more creative and he helped me understand that I don’t have to hit a home run every at-bat. Pop has been a huge help for me and I’m grateful that I came to this organization and he was my hitting coach.”
Carlos Correa on Twins hitting coach David Popkins
Popkins, 34, was one of the youngest hitting coaches in MLB. After his playing career wrapped up with the Dodgers in 2019, Popkins joined their minor-league organization as a hitting coach, where he worked for three seasons.
In 2021, the Twins hired him as their MLB hitting coach and the rest is history, with Popkins looking for work again.
Related: Carlos Correa’s ‘Shocking’ Therapy Regimen Revealed
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