Many of the wounds from the New York Yankees‘ recent postseason elimination by the Toronto Blue Jays haven’t even begun to heal, yet the organization is already making moves ahead of a 2026 MLB season with sky-high expectations. Many fans hoped Aaron Boone would be the one shown the door, but unfortunately for them, that’s not the case.
Everything aligns with what the manager said in his post-elimination press conference: he’s under contract and will return for the next campaign. Two other coaches weren’t as fortunate.
Two Coaches Part Ways with the Yankees
This was revealed by Mets and Yankees insider Andy Martino on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), where he noted that the Bronx Bombers have parted ways with bullpen coach Mike Harkey and first base/infield coach Travis Chapman.
Mike Harkey has been a prominent member of the Yankees’ coaching staff for many years. He first joined in 2008, staying for six seasons. In 2013, he was hired to the Arizona Diamondbacks pitching staff, though he was fired in 2015. He resumed his career with the New York Yankees in the 2016 season and has been with the team ever since, serving as bullpen coach. According to Andy Martino, Harkey expressed his gratitude to the organization:
“It was an incredible 16 years and I’m very grateful for the opportunity I had with the Yankees! I wish them the best!”
Before becoming a coach, Harkey had a playing career from 1988 to 1997, after being selected in the first round of the 1987 MLB draft by the Chicago Cubs. He also wore uniforms for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Colorado Rockies, among other teams.
The Yankees’ 2025 season was challenging. Devin Williams, projected as the closer at the start of the year, hit a slump in May that relegated him to the bench in favor of Luke Weaver. However, Weaver suffered an injury and never regained his form, forcing the team to explore multiple options in the MLB trade market. Though the Yankees acquired the top available closer, former Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher David Bednar, along with Camilo Doval and Jake Bird, it wasn’t enough. For the rest of the season, the team often employed a “one inning at a time” strategy, lacking a reliable closer for multiple innings.
For his part, Travis Chapman had a brief playing career, appearing in just one MLB game with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2003. He retired in 2006 after seven seasons in the minors and began his coaching career in the Yankees’ farm system, eventually getting promoted to the majors for the 2021 season.
The Yankees’ infield also faced issues this season, though not as severe. Shortstop Anthony Volpe drew criticism for committing 19 errors, tying for third in the league. Third base was problematic as well, prompting a major trade for Ryan McMahon. In contrast, first base, under Chapman’s supervision, was more stable, with veteran Paul Goldschmidt and second-year utility player Ben Rice sharing time at the position.
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