The Minnesota Twins have added former pitcher and longtime broadcaster LaTroy Hawkins to their major league coaching staff as the team’s bullpen coach. The announcement was made as part of a broader update to the Twins’ coaching roster under newly appointed manager Derek Shelton.
Hawkins, a former major league reliever, brings a wealth of experience to the position. He spent 21 seasons in the big leagues, including nine with the Twins from 1995 to 2003. Over the course of his career, Hawkins made more than 1,000 appearances and played for 11 different teams, establishing himself as one of the most durable and respected bullpen arms of his generation.
After retiring as a player in 2015, Hawkins transitioned into broadcasting, serving as an analyst on Twins television broadcasts. He remained active within Major League Baseball in a variety of roles, including serving as a special assistant in the front office and mentoring young pitchers. His deep ties to the Twins organization and knowledge of the game made him a natural fit for a coaching role.
This appointment marks the beginning of a new era under manager Derek Shelton, who takes over following the departure of former manager Rocco Baldelli. The rest of Shelton’s coaching staff has not been fully finalized, but the addition of Hawkins signals an emphasis on experience and continuity.
With this move, the Twins aim to strengthen their bullpen, an area that has seen ups and downs in recent seasons. Hawkins’ first-hand knowledge of relieving at the major league level is expected to be a valuable resource for developing pitchers and improving in-game performance.
Hawkins joins a growing list of former players transitioning into coaching roles, bringing both credibility and insight to the dugout. His familiarity with the organization and prior on-field success position him well to contribute to the team’s goals heading into the next season.
