The Toronto Blue Jays have revamped their staff in recent weeks and head coach John Schneider is still alive. However, on Monday, the major baseball team announced the hiring of its new second.
Former reserve coach DeMarlo Hale is back in the Blue Jays’ nest, but this time as an assistant coach. Several observers already assume that he will take over the management of the Jays if Schneider loses his job.
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He was talked about for all the wrong reasons during the 2023 playoffs. During the second playoff game against the Minnesota Twins, he removed pitcher Jose Berrios, who was doing good work, from the mound in favor of Yusei Kikuchi.
Toronto ended up losing 2-0, losing their seventh straight game during the playoffs. After the game, Schneider’s decision was criticized by some of his players. The 43-year-old manager’s contract runs for two years and there is an option for another season.
“DeMarlo brings passion, toughness, experience and a long history of success to our coaching group,” Schneider said in a press release. Bringing his voice and intensity to our environment will be beneficial to an already tight-knit group of players and staff.”
Hale knows the Jays very well, having worked for the team from 2013 to 2018. Rumor had it he could have become manager of the Queen City representatives in 2010, but it was John Farrell who got the job.
“When the opportunity arose to return to Toronto with this position, I told myself it would be a good fit for me. My familiarity with the staff and other departments will contribute to a healthy transition and impact the success of this organization,” said the 62-year-old.
After his first stint in Toronto, he worked as a first base instructor for the Atlanta Braves (2020) and bench manager for the Cleveland Guardians (2021 to 2023).