Breaking News: Toronto Blue Jays Sever Ties with Veteran Hitting Coach Following Underwhelming Season

Following another underwhelming season, the Toronto Blue Jays have decided to part ways with Guillermo Martinez, their longtime hitting coach. Over the past month, the team has made a number of staffing changes, with Martinez’s departure being the latest to affect the major league club, according to two industry sources. Martinez, who served as the Blue Jays’ hitting coach for six seasons, left the team on Monday.

Martinez had been with the Blue Jays since 2012 and was promoted to the major league squad after spending a year as their minor league hitting coordinator in 2019. His results have been mixed in recent years, especially after the team’s lineup underwent a significant overhaul before the 2023 season. While Toronto ranked among the top five in runs scored during the 2021 and 2022 seasons, the offense struggled significantly in the following two years. Last season, the Blue Jays were middle-of-the-pack, averaging 4.6 runs per game, but in 2024, their offensive production plummeted, ranking 23rd in the league with just 4.1 runs per game.

Martinez, 39, played a key role in the development of players like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette. While Guerrero had one of his best seasons, Bichette struggled through his worst. With Toronto’s offensive performance declining and the team failing to meet expectations, the decision was made to make changes. The Blue Jays ended the season last in the AL East with a 74-88 record, finishing 14 games below .500.

It remains unclear who will replace Martinez, as he was part of a hitting staff that included offensive coordinator Don Mattingly and assistant coaches Hunter Mense and Matt Hague. Although Martinez’s departure won’t solve all of Toronto’s issues, it is seen as a step toward improvement. Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins is expected to address the media on Wednesday during the season-ending press conference.