In a surprising turn of events, the Miami Marlins have announced their decision to bring on board Daniel Moskos as their new pitching coach. This news was first reported by Kyle Sielaff and Stephen Strom of the team’s radio network, sending shockwaves through the baseball community (X link). At just 38 years old, Moskos is about to embark on his first lead pitching coach role.
Moskos has quite a backstory. He was selected as the fourth overall pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2007 draft and eventually made it to the majors four years later, where he appeared in 31 relief games. However, his playing experience at the highest level was short-lived. After that, he found himself pitching in the upper minors and even in Mexico until 2018 before transitioning into coaching. It was with the New York Yankees’ organization that he first dipped his toes into coaching before joining the Chicago Cubs as an assistant pitching coach during the offseason of 2021-22.
For the past three seasons, Moskos has been an integral part of the Chicago Cubs’ coaching staff. Working closely under David Ross initially and then continuing under Craig Counsell’s guidance during his first year on the North Side, Moskos has proven himself to be a valuable asset in developing pitchers. However, it’s worth mentioning that Tommy Hottovy has been occupying the top pitching coach position for six seasons now.
With Clayton McCullough taking over as manager this year, Miami is wasting no time assembling a formidable coaching staff. Aside from bringing on Moskos as their pitching coach, they have also reportedly hired Carson Vitale from Seattle as their bench coach and Pedro Guerrero from San Francisco Giants as their top hitting instructor. These appointments indicate a clear intent to strengthen all areas of play for the Marlins.
This move by Miami certainly raises eyebrows across the league. Moskos may not have an extensive playing career to his name, but his transition into coaching has been nothing short of remarkable. The Marlins are clearly placing their trust in his ability to mold and develop their pitching staff, a task that requires immense knowledge and expertise.
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on the Marlins to see how Moskos impacts the team’s performance on the mound. Will he be able to unlock hidden potential in their pitchers? Only time will tell. One thing is for sure – this bold move by Miami has injected a new sense of excitement and anticipation into their fanbase.
In conclusion, the Marlins’ decision to hire Daniel Moskos as their pitching coach is a significant development that has caught many off guard. With no shortage of experience in player development and coaching, Moskos brings a fresh perspective to the table. As the Marlins continue to build their coaching staff under McCullough’s leadership, it’s clear that they are committed to making strides towards success in the upcoming season.