Mark McGwire Returns to Athletics in Player Development Role

Former slugger rejoins first MLB organization after coaching stints with Dodgers and Cardinals.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 8:55pm

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Former MLB All-Star and home run king Mark McGwire is returning to the Oakland Athletics organization as a special assistant to player development. McGwire, who was the AL Rookie of the Year in 1987 and helped the A's win the World Series in 1989, will take on this new role after previous coaching stints with the Dodgers and Cardinals.

Why it matters

McGwire's return to the Athletics is significant as he was a key part of the team's success in the late 1980s and early 1990s. His expertise and experience could help develop the next generation of Athletics players as the team prepares to move to a new stadium in Las Vegas in 2028.

The details

During his playing career, McGwire was a nine-time All-Star who hit 49 home runs as a rookie, setting a new record at the time. He was an integral part of the Athletics teams that went to the World Series from 1988-1990, winning it all in 1989. After being traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1997, McGwire went on to break Roger Maris' single-season home run record by hitting 70 in 1998. However, both McGwire and Sammy Sosa became embroiled in the steroid scandal that tarnished their reputations. Since retiring as a player, McGwire has served as a bench coach for the Padres and a hitting coach for the Dodgers and Cardinals.

  • McGwire was the AL Rookie of the Year in 1987.
  • The Athletics won the World Series in 1989.
  • McGwire broke Roger Maris' single-season home run record by hitting 70 in 1998.
  • The Athletics are scheduled to move to Las Vegas and play in a new stadium beginning in 2028.

The players

Mark McGwire

A former MLB slugger who played at least parts of 12 seasons for the Oakland Athletics, where he was a nine-time All-Star and the AL Rookie of the Year in 1987. He was an instrumental part of A's teams that went to the World Series from 1988-1990, winning it all in 1989. After being traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1997, McGwire went on to break Roger Maris' single-season home run record by hitting 70 in 1998, though both he and Sammy Sosa became tied to the sport's steroid scandal.

Oakland Athletics

The professional baseball team based in Oakland, California that McGwire played for during the prime of his career. The Athletics are about to play the second of at least three seasons at a Triple-A ballpark in West Sacramento, California before moving to a new $2 billion, 33,000-person capacity stadium in Las Vegas beginning in 2028.

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What they’re saying

“Mark McGwire's return to the Athletics organization is a homecoming for one of the franchise's all-time greats. His expertise and experience will be invaluable as we develop the next generation of Athletics players.”

— Billy Beane, Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations, Oakland Athletics

What’s next

The Athletics are scheduled to move to their new stadium in Las Vegas in 2028, and McGwire's role in player development will be crucial in helping prepare the team for that transition.

The takeaway

McGwire's return to the Athletics represents a full-circle moment for one of the franchise's all-time greats, as he looks to use his expertise and experience to help develop the next wave of talent for a team on the cusp of a major relocation.