Minnesota Twins Retaining Rocco Baldelli’s Right-Hand Man

The Minnesota Twins will look a bit different in 2025. Derek Falvey and Rocco Baldelli are both set to return, but that doesn’t mean everyone from 2024 will be back. Hitting coach David Popkins was let go on Tuesday, but the same cannot be said for bench coach Jayce Tingler, who is set to return.

Minnesota Twins keeping Jayce Tingler on coaching staff

The Twins first hired Jayce Tingler, a former San Diego Padres manager, and David Popkins in November 2021. Mike Bell, Baldelli’s previous bench coach, died tragically of cancer that March. When Rocco hired Tingler, he brought a wealth of knowledge with him from time in multiple organizations, and experience leading a clubhouse.

Source: #MNTwins will have continuity in the dugout with Jayce Tingler returning as Rocco Baldelli’s bench coach.

This will be his fourth season.

— Ted (@tlschwerz) October 2, 2024

As Padres manager, Jayce Tingler went 116-106 across parts of two seasons. He managed San Diego to the National League Division Series during the shortened 2020 season. It didn’t take long for him to find another job at the big league level, when his time with the Padres expired. Tingler also worked for GM Thad Levine, when they were both with the Texas Rangers.

Over the past handful of years, Tingler and Baldelli can often be seen working in tandem within the Minnesota dugout. Tingler is often on the phone communicating during replays and pitching decisions. At just 43 years old, he brings a personality that can not only gel with Baldelli, but him home for a roster of relative youth.

Related: Minnesota Twins Move On From Hitting Coach After Disastrous Finish

Since Tingler joined the staff, Baldelli has been ejected a total of ten times. In each of those instances it has been Tingler that has taken over. This will be his fourth season working for the Twins.

The status of the remaining Twins staff is yet to be seen. Hitting coach Rudy Hernandez, and assistant Derek Shomon could be turned over. Nothing has been announced for pitching coach Pete Maki either.