The winds of change are blowing through the Toronto Blue Jays organization as they prepare for the 2025 MLB campaign. In a series of decisive moves, the club has added three new faces to manager John Schneider’s coaching staff: Graham Johnson as bullpen coach, Sam Greene as assistant pitching coach, and Lou Iannotti as assistant hitting coach.
Fresh Perspectives in the Bullpen
Graham Johnson, 39, joins the Blue Jays after a successful three-year stint as the pitching coach for the New York Yankees’ Triple-A affiliate, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. There, he played a key role in developing several of the Yankees’ top pitching prospects, earning a reputation as a keen strategist and effective communicator.
In his new role as Toronto’s bullpen coach, Johnson will be tasked with maximizing the potential of the Jays’ relief corps. With a mix of established veterans and promising young arms, the bullpen figures to be a crucial component of the team’s success in the highly competitive American League East.
Graham’s track record speaks for itself. We believe his experience and innovative approach will be invaluable in getting the most out of our bullpen.
– A source close to the Blue Jays organization
Elevating the Pitching Philosophy
Complementing Johnson’s hiring is the promotion of Sam Greene, 27, to assistant pitching coach. Greene first joined the Blue Jays in 2021 and most recently served as the club’s senior pitching research specialist. His work in data-driven pitch design and player development caught the attention of the front office, leading to his new role on the major league staff.
Greene’s analytical approach is expected to pair well with the experience of pitching coach Pete Walker, potentially unlocking new levels of performance from the Jays’ talented rotation. The duo will look to build upon the success of 2024, which saw several Toronto starters post career-best numbers.
Sam has an incredible baseball mind and a gift for translating complex data into actionable insights. We’re thrilled to have him working more closely with our big-league staff.
– An anonymous Blue Jays executive
Harnessing Offensive Firepower
Rounding out the trio of new hires is Lou Iannotti, 32, who will assume the role of assistant hitting coach. Iannotti joins the Blue Jays after seven seasons in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization, most recently serving as the hitting coach for Double-A Tulsa in 2023 before being promoted to major league hitting coordinator for the 2024 season.
Iannotti’s innovative drills and focused approach to swing mechanics have earned him a sterling reputation in player development circles. He will work alongside recently hired hitting coach David Popkins to optimize the Blue Jays’ already potent lineup, which features a blend of power, speed, and on-base ability.
Lou’s passion for hitting is infectious. He has a unique ability to connect with players and help them make meaningful adjustments. We expect him to have a significant impact on our offense.
– A member of the Blue Jays’ coaching staff
A New Era in Toronto
With these hires, the Blue Jays have signaled a commitment to blending proven experience with cutting-edge strategies as they aim to compete in an increasingly talent-rich American League. The revamped coaching staff, led by manager John Schneider, will also include:
- Don Mattingly – Bench Coach
- DeMarlo Hale – Associate Manager
- Mark Budzinski – First Base Coach
- Carlos Febles – Third Base Coach
- Hunter Mense – Assistant Hitting Coach
- John Lannan – Mental Performance Coach
As the Blue Jays embark on this new chapter, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see if this infusion of talent and ideas can propel the team to the top of the baseball world. With a roster brimming with potential and a coaching staff now bolstered by fresh perspectives, the stage is set for an exciting and transformative season in Toronto.
Only time will tell if these moves will yield the results the Blue Jays brass envisions, but one thing is certain: the 2025 campaign promises to be a fascinating one for baseball fans north of the border. As the saying goes, “change is the only constant,” and the Blue Jays are embracing that philosophy wholeheartedly as they chase their World Series dreams.
