The Toronto Blue Jays are experiencing changes to their coaching staff as Hunter Mense, their assistant hitting coach, is set to join the San Francisco Giants. This move has been confirmed by Mitch Bannon of The Athletic.
Hunter Mense Joins San Francisco Giants
Mense will take on the role of hitting coach with the Giants, reuniting with manager Tony Vitello. The two previously worked together at the University of Missouri, where Mense played under Vitello.
Coaching Tenure with the Blue Jays
Since 2022, Hunter Mense has been a part of the Blue Jays’ major league staff. His contributions this past season were significant, as he worked alongside hitting coach David Popkins and assistant Lou Iannotti.
- The Blue Jays scored 798 runs, ranking fourth in the league.
- The team reached Game 7 of the World Series.
Mense’s exit adds another vacancy to the Blue Jays’ coaching staff, following the departure of bench coach Don Mattingly earlier this off-season. Reports indicate that Mattingly is attracting interest from the Philadelphia Phillies, making his decision to remain active in coaching clear.
Impact on the Blue Jays
The loss of Mense may impact the Blue Jays as they navigate their coaching changes. With the off-season underway, the team will need to fill these crucial roles to maintain their competitive edge.
