Yankees To Hire Matt Blake As New Pitching Coach

The New York Yankees are hiring Matt Blake as their next pitching coach, ESPN's Jeff Passan reports.

Blake, just two days ago, was promoted to director of pitching development with the Cleveland Indians, after spending time as a pitching coordinator with the club.

He returns to New York after working as an area scout with the Bombers earlier in his career.

The 33-year-old replaces Larry Rothschild who was fired by the club late last month.

New York will look to utilize Blake's experience in developing pitching and working with analytics, as he comes to the Bronx from Cleveland -- a franchise that continues to churn out young, talented starting pitchers.

A pitcher who worked in the #Indians minor leagues with Matt Blake who is now the #Yankees pitching coach called him “terrific” and praised: "great understanding of analytics but can interpret and make it easy to understand and apply."
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) November 8, 2019

Indians' manager Terry Francona recently spoke highly of Blake, specifically referencing his impact on starters including Zach Plesac, Jefry Rodriguez and Aaron Civale.

This news comes two days after confirmation that former Yankees right-hander David Cone had interviewed for the Yankees pitching coach position.

A mixture of Blake's proven ability to develop young starters, through analytics and modern technology, along with his familiarity with the organization surely won him the job. You may have not heard his name before Thursday, but his resume proves he's up for the challenge.