The Milwaukee Brewers have revamped their coaching staff for the upcoming season, integrating new talent alongside familiar faces. Daniel Vogelbach, a former Brewers first baseman, has joined as an assistant hitting coach, marking his first formal coaching role since retiring as a player.
Vogelbach played with Milwaukee during 2020 and 2021 and spent nine seasons in the majors. Over nearly 2,000 plate appearances, he posted a .219 batting average, combined with a strong on-base percentage of .340 and 81 home runs. While not known for consistently high batting averages, Vogelbach’s exceptional pitch recognition and raw power stood out throughout his career.
Changes in the Hitting Coaching Staff
Al LeBoeuf, the lead hitting coach who missed part of last season due to a prostate cancer diagnosis, will not return to the major league coaching staff. However, he remains with the organization in an unspecified role. Eric Theisen, previously the assistant hitting coach, has been promoted to lead hitting coach. Vogelbach and Guillermo Martinez, formerly the Blue Jays’ hitting coach, will assist Theisen.
Martinez brings a wealth of professional experience. He served as the hitting coach for Toronto from 2019 through 2024 and has extensive background working with minor league teams across multiple organizations. After his recent stint coaching at the Double-A level, Martinez reenters the major league coaching ranks with Milwaukee.
Additional Staff Adjustments
Beyond hitting coaches, the Brewers have realigned other roles to optimize performance. Jason Lane, the former third base coach, now holds the title of “offense and strategy coordinator.” Matt Erickson combines his duties as the infield coach with the responsibilities of third base coach.
The pitching staff also sees promotions, as assistant pitching coach Jim Henderson advances to “pitching coordinator.” His previous role will be filled by Juan Sandoval, who has experience as a minor league pitching coach and coordinator within the organization.
Spencer Allen, formerly Milwaukee’s director of player development, has been added to the major league staff as first base coach. Allen, who coached at Northwestern prior to joining the Brewers, replaces Julio Borbon. Both Borbon and LeBoeuf continue in the organization but in roles yet to be defined.
Summary of Key Staff Changes
- Daniel Vogelbach – Assistant hitting coach (new hire; former Brewers player)
- Eric Theisen – Promoted to lead hitting coach
- Guillermo Martinez – Assistant hitting coach (new hire; former Blue Jays coach)
- Jason Lane – Promoted to offense and strategy coordinator
- Matt Erickson – Infield coach and third base coach
- Jim Henderson – Promoted to pitching coordinator
- Juan Sandoval – Assistant pitching coach (promotion from minor leagues)
- Spencer Allen – First base coach (from director of player development)
- Julio Borbon – Departed first base coach position; remains with the organization
- Al LeBoeuf – Stepped down from lead hitting coach; remains with the organization
This comprehensive coaching shakeup reflects Milwaukee’s focus on internal development and strategic realignment. By promoting from within and adding experienced personnel like Vogelbach and Martinez, the Brewers aim to strengthen both offensive and defensive facets of their game. The updates come amid efforts to build on recent team successes and prepare for future challenges on the field.
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