Former Dodgers Hitting Coach Aaron Bates Explains Why He Left
· Yahoo Sports
Former Los Angeles Dodgers hitting coach Aaron Bates opened up about the behind-the-scenes details of his departure.
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After 12 years with the Dodgers, Bates is moving on after contract negotiations stalled.
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How Aaron Bates and the Dodgers parted ways
According to Bates, he received a multi-year offer, which he told Maddie Lee of the LA Times was “not a competitive offer.”
He rejected the offer and expected talks to continue, but no other follow-up offer came.
“Basically, they said, ‘I think we should go our separate ways,” Bates told The LA Times. “I was just very taken aback, in a sense, by that.”
Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes did not comment on the talks, but told The Times that he wished
“nothing but the best for Bates and his family.”
Reflecting on how things played out, Bates didn’t seem to hold any bitter feelings about how it worked out.
“Processing it, I think that there’s always a time and a place, and I think that things run their course,” Bates said to Lee. “But I have nothing but amazing things to say about the Dodgers organization and people.
“My kids grew up Dodgers, and I grew up a Dodger, as a coach. It’s just unfortunate the way it’s worked out towards these last few days.”
Feb 20, 2019; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers assistant hitting coach Aaron Bates poses for a portrait during media day at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Credit: USA TODAY Sports (Reuters)What is next for Aaron Bates and the Dodgers?
With experience in a highly esteemed organization like the Dodgers and as a three-time champion, Bates should land on his feet easily.
In fact, he told the Times that he is already speaking with other teams.
“I’m talking to many different teams, and we’re kind of working through some things, and I’ll leave it at that for now,” he said. “But it’s exciting times in that sense.”
Regarding the Dodgers, they will likely now either promote internally or bring in someone from another organization, but either way, there will be a fresh voice on the coaching staff.
Changes on successful teams can be tough, but after a disappointing NLCS exit in which the offense went cold, shaking things up could help.