The Astros announced they’ve finalized their coaching staff for the 2023 campaign. It’ll be Dusty Baker’s fourth season running the show as the Astros look to defend their World Series title.
One previously unreported addition is the tabbing of Tommy Kawamura as game-planning coach, per Mark Berman of Fox 26. Formerly a member of the team’s advance scouting department in the front office, Kawamura makes the jump to the dugout. It’s a newly created position for the Astros that’ll presumably increase Baker’s ability to match up with the opposition.
The rest of the staff returns — most in their previous roles. Joe Espada is back for a sixth season as bench coach. Alex Cintrón and Troy Snitker return as co-hitting coaches; Jason Kanzler will be their assistant hitting coach, his second season on staff. Bill Murphy and Josh Miller will split pitching coach duties for the second straight year. Gary Pettis and Omar López will serve as base coaches, with Dan Firova and Michael Collins also remaining on staff.
There’s a strong amount of continuity with the group, as the Astros return in hopes of backing up their championship. Houston made some key front-office changes at the start of the offseason, but the non-playing field staff is back completely intact with the addition of Kawamura.
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