Pittsburgh Pirates Hire Matt Hague as Hitting Coach

The Pittsburgh Pirates have hired Matt Hague as their new hitting coach, replacing Andy Haines, who was let go after the season. Hague, 39, previously served as the assistant hitting coach for the Toronto Blue Jays and has a strong background in player development across various minor league levels. His promotion to the Pirates marks a return to the organization that drafted him in 2008, although he had limited major league experience, appearing in just 43 games across three seasons. The Pirates' offense struggled in 2024, ranking near the bottom in several key statistics, and Hague will need to revitalize the team’s batting approach to support their pitching staff. Known for his player-friendly coaching style, Hague will aim to maximize the potential of hitters like Ke'Bryan Hayes and Bryan Reynolds. His success could be pivotal in breaking the Pirates' nine-year playoff drought.