Rays Announce Coaching Changes: New Assistant Hitting Coach and First Base Coach
The Tampa Bay Rays have finalized their coaching staff for the upcoming season, with some exciting new additions and a few familiar faces returning. The team announced on Tuesday that Will Bradley will join as an assistant hitting coach, bringing a wealth of experience to the dugout.
Bradley, a former college player and coach, made his professional debut with the Angels in 2019. He previously served as a Triple-A hitting coach for the Rays and also worked as a minor league hitting coordinator in 2025. This marks his first season on an MLB staff, where he will split assistant hitting coach duties with Ozzie Timmons. Bradley's expertise in hitting and his time spent coaching for the Australian national team make him a valuable asset to the team.
In other news, the Rays have appointed Corey Dickerson as their new first base coach. Dickerson, a former All-Star, replaces Michael Johns, who moved to Washington to become Blake Butera's bench coach. This change brings a fresh perspective to the coaching staff, as Dickerson brings a wealth of experience and a new voice to the team.
The Rays' coaching staff also includes several familiar faces who are returning from the 2025 season. Bench coach Rodney Linares, pitching coach Kyle Snyder, hitting coach Chad Mottola, third base coach Brady Williams, assistant pitching coach Rick Knapp, bullpen coach Jorge Moncada, field coordinator Tomas Francisco, and process/development coach Kris Goodman will all be back, ensuring continuity and stability within the team's coaching structure.
With these additions and returns, the Rays' coaching staff is well-equipped to guide the team towards success in the upcoming season. The combination of experienced coaches and fresh perspectives will undoubtedly contribute to the team's growth and development.