Hartford Yard Goats Hire Former Mets Catcher as New Manager

Robinson Cancel to lead Yard Goats in 2026 season after managing Rockies' Class-A affiliate

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Hartford Yard Goats, the Double-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, have named former New York Mets catcher Robinson Cancel as their new manager for the 2026 season. Cancel, 49, has spent the last three seasons managing the Rockies' Class-A affiliate in Spokane and has a track record of winning and player development.

Why it matters

The Yard Goats are looking to build on their success in 2024, when they reached the Eastern League playoffs for the first time in franchise history. Cancel's promotion from the Rockies' system is seen as a sign that the organization has high hopes for the Yard Goats to contend in 2026 and beyond.

The details

Cancel, who played in the majors with the Brewers, Mets, and Astros, will be the sixth manager in Yard Goats history. He has spent the last 10 seasons as a coach in the Rockies organization, including leading Fresno to the postseason in 2021 and 2022 and Spokane to the Northwest League Championship in 2024. Prior to joining the Rockies, Cancel had coaching stints with the Braves' Rookie-level affiliates.

  • Cancel was named Yard Goats manager on February 4, 2026.
  • He will make his debut as Yard Goats manager on April 2, 2026, when the team opens the season against the Chesapeake Baysox.

The players

Robinson Cancel

A former major league catcher who has spent the last 10 seasons as a coach in the Colorado Rockies organization, most recently managing their Class-A affiliate in Spokane.

Bobby Meacham

The previous manager of the Hartford Yard Goats, who led the team to a 69-68 record in 2025 and a 76-60 record and playoff appearance in 2024.

Mike Abramson

The general manager of the Hartford Yard Goats, who expressed excitement about Cancel's hiring and his track record of winning and player development.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We are delighted to welcome Robinson to Hartford, and our Yard Goats family. Robinson has an excellent track record of winning and development, and we are excited to watch him and his coaches guide our club in 2026.”

— Mike Abramson, General Manager, Hartford Yard Goats (Press Release)

What’s next

The Yard Goats will open the 2026 season on Thursday, April 2nd against the Baltimore Orioles affiliate, the Chesapeake Baysox at Dunkin' Park.

The takeaway

Cancel's promotion to the Yard Goats manager role is a sign that the Rockies organization sees him as a rising star in player development, and they are hoping he can help the Yard Goats build on their recent success and contend for an Eastern League championship in 2026.