The New York Yankees are promoting Aaron Gershenfeld to the major league coaching staff, a source confirmed Monday. Gershenfeld, the team's run prevention and catching coordinator, will step into the role following the departure of Tanner Swanson, who left to become the bench coach for the Seattle Mariners.
Gershenfeld has been instrumental in the development of the Yankees' catchers, working closely with Swanson, who previously served as the director of catching and major league field coordinator. The organization believes Gershenfeld's promotion will allow them to maintain their success in coaching catchers, particularly in improving their framing abilities.
Swanson's departure creates a vacancy, but the Yankees feel well-equipped to continue their work with their catching corps. Swanson played a significant role in the development of catchers like Austin Wells, who became a Gold Glove finalist this past season. Gershenfeld was a key part of that coaching process, working with both major and minor league catchers. The former Louisville catcher will now transition to a full-time role with the big league club.
It is unclear if further changes will be made to manager Aaron Boone's staff, especially in the hitting department, following the team's offensive struggles in the postseason. Pitching coach Matt Blake is set to return after signing an extension, and bench coach Brad Ausmus has interviewed for the Astros' managerial position, with a decision expected soon.