The New York Yankees could soon lose one of the most respected minds behind their offensive turnaround. The team has granted the Minnesota Twins permission to interview hitting coach James Rowson for their vacant managerial position, according to the New York Post’s Jon Heyman and Joel Sherman.
Rowson, 49, just completed his second season as the Yankees’ hitting coach, overseeing the top-scoring offense in the majors in 2025. Under his guidance, New York posted a .251/.332/.455 slash line and a league-best 119 wRC+, following a 118 mark the year before. His blend of analytics and player communication has earned him respect across the league—and made him an intriguing managerial candidate for a Twins team looking to reestablish itself as a contender.
The move marks a potential full-circle moment for Rowson, who previously served as Minnesota’s hitting coach from 2017 to 2019. During that stretch, the Twins developed the “Bomba Squad” identity, hitting a record-setting 307 home runs in 2019—a mark that still defines the franchise’s modern offensive era.
Familiar Face Returns to Minnesota’s Radar
For the Twins, who dismissed Rocco Baldelli after a 70-92 campaign, Rowson represents both familiarity and optimism. His upbeat, detail-oriented coaching style left a strong impression in Minnesota, where several players and front-office members still hold him in high regard.
When the Yankees visited Target Field in September, Rowson reportedly spent extensive time reconnecting with members of his old organization—a moment that now seems more significant in hindsight. His personality and teaching approach could resonate with a Twins clubhouse that struggled to find consistency at the plate in 2025, as they ranked in the bottom third of MLB in runs scored.
The Yankees, meanwhile, have often credited Rowson for reviving key hitters, including Anthony Volpe and Giancarlo Stanton, while continuing to refine Aaron Judge’s plate discipline.
If hired, Rowson would replace Baldelli as the 46th manager in Twins history and become one of the few current MLB managers with a hitting-coordinator background. Other names mentioned for the position include former Pirates skipper Derek Shelton and Red Sox bench coach Ramon Vázquez.
What the Move Means for the Yankees
While clubs generally don’t block staff members from pursuing promotions, losing Rowson would be a notable hit for Aaron Boone’s coaching staff. The Yankees’ offense has been their most consistent strength during a turbulent stretch of injuries and pitching uncertainty.
Still, the organization is expected to support Rowson’s pursuit of a managerial role, viewing it as a deserved next step in his career. His rise from minor-league hitting coordinator to one of the most respected voices in the majors reflects both his adaptability and his deep understanding of player development.
Rowson’s journey—from shaping the “Bomba Squad” to leading the Yankees’ high-powered lineup—shows the kind of modern coaching pedigree teams covet. For the Twins, he represents a familiar architect of offensive success. For the Yankees, he could soon represent another success story—one whose next chapter might begin where his legend first took shape.
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