The San Diego Padres will have an unexpected vacancy to fill on their coaching staff, as bench coach Mark McGwire has stepped down.
The San Diego Padres knew that they would have a couple of vacancies to fill on manager Andy Green‘s coaching staff this offseason. Hitting coach Matt Stairs and infield coach Josh Johnson were let go, leaving the Padres with a bit of turnover. However, those were the only two coaches that were expected to be replaced, allowing a bit of continuity.
Instead, the Padres will have another vacancy to fill on the coaching staff. Bench coach Mark McGwire has formally stepped down, citing a desire to spend more time with his family. While he had reportedly been mulling such a decision since the beginning of the month, and having finalized that choice recently.
This move leaves the Padres with a significant hole to fill. One internal option that has been mentioned is AAA manager Rod Barajas, who has spent the past three seasons in that capacity. As for McGwire, it puts an end to his nine year coaching career, as he spent three years each with the Cardinals and Dodgers as their hitting coach.
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The move is a bit surprising given McGwire’s status in the coaching ranks. The former star had gone from being a legend in the game to a pariah, the former Home Run King to an admitted PED user, tainting his accomplishments and place in league history.
However, McGwire changed the narrative as a coach. Brought back into the game by former manager Tony LaRussa, he impressed with his ability to help other players and work ethic. As the years went on, McGwire began to get notice as a possible option as a future manager, a former star that could possibly find success leading a franchise.
That may still happen in time. For now, however, the former All Star is taking a step back, leaving the coaching ranks to spend time with his family, spending time with his children as they go through high school. It is also possible that McGwire will remain with the Padres in some capacity, although that seems unlikely.
The San Diego Padres have another vacancy on their coaching staff as Mark McGwire is stepping down as bench coach. This move, while unexpected, is understandable as he looks to spend more time with his family.