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Dodgers Longtime Coach Leaves LA for NL West Rival

Originally posted on Los Angeles Dodgers on SI
By Matt Levine | Last updated Dec 1, 2023 10:00 PM ET

The Arizona Diamondbacks have poached Dodgers field coordinator Shaun Larkin. They are naming him their new director of player development, and the Dodgers now have a major posting that they need to fill this offseason.

The Arizona Diamondbacks fill their player development director vacancy with Shaun Larkin, who spent the past eight seasons with the Dodgers, most recently as their field director. Larkin replaces Josh Barfield, who left in late September to join the Chicago White Sox.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 1, 2023

Larkin first came to the team in 2015 and started out as a skill development coordinator for LA. But he put the work in, climbed up the ladder and made a name for himself within the organization.

He has been a valuable member of the team since he joined the staff, and he brings a ton of experience to Arizona with him. Larkin has spent time with both the Dodgers and the Cleveland Guardians, being viewed highly within both franchises.

Mike Fitzgerald, the Diamondbacks general manager, gave his thoughts on the addition of Larkin, and how he brings major energy to the table.

“We’re really excited to add him into the fold,” Fitzgerald said, “and have him continue to build upon the momentum that we’ve had over the last couple of years and help us continue to get better.”

Per Mark Fitzgeral via AZCentral.com

Losing a staff member like Larkin to a division rival can be tough, but it's part of the business. With the success that LA has seen over the years, other teams want to try and duplicate it.

We wish Shaun nothing but the best going forward, and good luck in Arizona!

This article first appeared on Los Angeles Dodgers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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