Twins to hire LaTroy Hawkins as Bullpen coach

The Twins are expected to bring in former reliever LaTroy Hawkins as bullpen coach, reports Bobby Nightengale of the Minnesota Star Tribuneamong others. Hawkins has been a special assistant with the organization since 2016. He also worked on the Twins’ broadcast team.

Hawkins is no stranger to Minnesota’s bullpen. He pitched for eleven teams during his 21-year career, but his longest tenure was with the Twins. Minnesota drafted Hawkins in 1991. He made his debut for the team as a 22-year-old in 1995. Hawkins spent five seasons as a starter with the Twins before moving to the bullpen, where he would be a fixture through 2003.

Hawkins wrapped up his long playing career with the Blue Jays in 2015. He finished with 127 saves in 1,042 appearances. Hawkins returned to Minnesota after that season, this time in a front office role. He has no MLB coaching experience, but did coach for the Brazilian national team in 2017 and 2023. Hawkins also managed the American League team during the 2021 Futures Game.

Minnesota has yet to announce the hiring. Hawkins would take over for Colby Suggs, who has served as bullpen coach since 2022. Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports that the Rangers have expressed interest in adding Suggs to their coaching staff. Suggs has worked in the Twins organization since 2019.