Hawkins embracing his new life as a Major League coach

Former MLB pitcher LaTroy Hawkins takes on first coaching role with Twins

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

LaTroy Hawkins, a baseball lifer with over 30 years of experience as a player, front-office adviser, and broadcaster, is now taking on a new role as the bullpen coach for the Minnesota Twins. Hawkins, who is a friend of Twins manager Derek Shelton, is adjusting to the grind of being a full-time coach at the Major League level after a decade of more flexible scheduling. While he had some initial anxiety about the commitment, Hawkins is embracing the opportunity to mentor the Twins' young bullpen and learn from pitching coach Pete Maki and assistant pitching coach Luis Ramirez.

Why it matters

Hawkins' transition from player to coach represents a common path for many former MLB players looking to stay involved in the game. His experience and perspective as a former player can provide valuable insight to the Twins' pitching staff, while also allowing Hawkins to learn new coaching techniques and approaches from the team's existing staff.

The details

Hawkins had previously coached youth teams, but this is his first time on a Major League coaching staff. He is adjusting to the increased intensity and hands-on nature of coaching at the big league level, as opposed to his more flexible schedule over the past 10 years. Hawkins is leaning on his existing relationship with manager Derek Shelton, as well as the expertise of pitching coach Pete Maki and assistant pitching coach Luis Ramirez, to help him learn the Twins' system and apply analytics to coaching the bullpen.

  • Hawkins joined the Twins' coaching staff for the 2026 season.

The players

LaTroy Hawkins

A former MLB pitcher with over 30 years of experience in professional baseball, who is now in his first season as the Twins' bullpen coach.

Derek Shelton

The manager of the Minnesota Twins, who is a friend of Hawkins and brought him onto the coaching staff.

Pete Maki

The Twins' pitching coach, who is working closely with Hawkins to help him learn the team's system and approach.

Luis Ramirez

The Twins' assistant pitching coach, who is also providing guidance and support to Hawkins as he transitions into his new role.

Liam Hendriks

A veteran relief pitcher who has joined the Twins' bullpen, providing additional experience and leadership to support Hawkins' mentorship of the younger pitchers.

Taylor Rogers

Another veteran relief pitcher who has joined the Twins' bullpen, also providing experience and leadership to support Hawkins' work with the pitching staff.

Andrew Chafin

A veteran relief pitcher who has also joined the Twins' bullpen, adding to the experienced group that can support Hawkins in his new coaching role.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The coaching I was doing, that ain't coaching. No. This is a little different. You've got guys making a lot of money. At the big league level, everything changes. Everything is more intensified. Just trying to follow [pitching coach Pete Maki and assistant pitching coach Luis Ramirez] around and learn the system. It's not like when I was in the league. It's different. Much more hands on. Not so much data-driven, but understanding the numbers and being able to apply it. And coaching guys up.”

— LaTroy Hawkins, Twins Bullpen Coach (MLB.com)

“[Manager Derek Shelton] is a friend of mine, so it's one of those things that if I were ever going to coach, it was going to be under somebody that I trust. And I trust Shelty. When he came up for his press conference, we went to dinner and we talked about it. We have some history together. It was the perfect fit.”

— LaTroy Hawkins, Twins Bullpen Coach (MLB.com)

What’s next

Hawkins will continue to learn and adapt to his new coaching role throughout the Twins' spring training and regular season schedule.

The takeaway

Hawkins' transition from player to coach highlights the valuable perspective and experience that former MLB players can bring to a coaching staff, as they work to mentor younger players and learn new coaching techniques. His partnership with the Twins' existing pitching coaches demonstrates the benefits of blending different backgrounds and approaches on a coaching staff.