Rays Announce Coaching Staff Changes, Additions
As expected, the Rays promoted from within to fill vacancies on Kevin Cash’s coaching staff. Rodney Linares has been named the team’s new bench coach, with Brady Williams elevated from Durham manager to third base coach, and Tomas Francisco moved from minor league catching coordinator to MLB field coordinator.
Tampa Bay had two vacancies to fill, as Matt Quatraro, the previous bench coach, became manager of the Kansas City Royals, and Paul Hoover, the Rays field coordinator, joined him as Quatraro’s bench coach.
“I could not be more thrilled to announce the promotions of Rodney, Brady and Tomas,” said Rays Manager Kevin Cash. “Rodney has been and will continue to be an integral and respected member of our coaching staff. He has had a positive impact working with our infielders and has a genuine connection with all our players. I look forward to seeing that continue in his new role. Both Brady and Tomas will be valuable additions to our coaching staff. Brady brings a wealth of knowledge from his managerial experience in the minor leagues and Tomas has built many relationships in our organization over his 10 years in player development. Overall, I’m very excited with the way this staff has come together.”
The 46-year-old Linares was named the manager of the Dominican Republic for the upcoming World Baseball Classic during this season. Linares, who’s about to enter his 27th season in professional baseball, is the 11th bench coach in club history. He joins Frank Howard (1998–99), Bill Russell (2000), Hal McRae (2001), Billy Hatcher (2001–02), John McLaren (2003–05), Bill Evers (2006–07), Dave Martinez (2008–14), Tom Foley (2015–17), Charlie Montoyo (2018) and Quatraro (2019–22).
Linares was third base coach for four seasons. Prior to the Rays, he spent 21 years in the Houston Astros organization, including the last 12 as a manager. From 2006–18, Linares was involved with the Dominican Winter League for 13 consecutive seasons, including time as a manager for the Aguilas Cibaenas (2018), Gigantes del Cibao (2017) and Estrellas de Oriente (2016).
“I am so grateful for this opportunity to serve as the next bench coach for the Rays,” Linares said. “Our club continues to make strides each year and I can’t wait to continue to pursue our ultimate goal of winning the World Series. I am looking forward to helping the team grow, improve and continue to win games.”
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Linares resides in San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic with his three sons: Steven, Ryan and Milan. His father, Julio Linares, is the Astros special advisor for Latin American development and has been part of the organization since 1973.
The 43-year-old Williams, joins Tampa Bay after 17 years in the organization, 13 as a manager. Williams compiled a 944–799 (.542) record and guided his teams to six straight postseason appearances from 2015–22, including back-to-back league championships with Durham in 2021–22. Williams becomes the eighth third base coach in franchise history, following Greg Riddoch (1998–99), Billy Hatcher (2000–01), Terry Collins (2001), Tom Foley (2002–14), Charlie Montoyo (2015–17), Quatraro (2018) and Linares (2019–22). In addition to his third base coaching duties, Williams will focus on the continued development of infielders and outfielders.
“This is such an exciting time for me and my family,” said Williams. “I am so thankful to the Rays organization for this opportunity and I can’t wait to get started. It is an honor to join the major league coaching staff after growing up in the area, playing in the Rays system and coaching at every level of the organization. To have this opportunity with the Rays speaks volumes to the organization and the development and trust that they invest in their people.”
A Tampa Bay native, Williams was part of the 1991 Dunedin Little League team that advanced to the World Series. He is the son of former Rays special instructor and big league manager Jimy Williams. Williams and his wife, Tatianna, have two sons, Balazs and Milan, and reside in Tarpon Springs, Fla.
Meanwhile, the 34-year-old Francisco becomes the third major league field coordinator in Rays history, following Rocco Baldelli (2018) and Hoover (2019–22). In this role, he will work defensively with catchers and focus on the development of major league players.
The 2023 season will be his 15th in professional baseball, 11th as a coach, manager or instructor and first as a major league coach. The former catcher originally signed with the Rays on May 3, 2006 and began his professional career with the DSL Rays.
“I am honored for this opportunity to join the major league coaching staff and can’t wait to start,” said Francisco. “The organization has supported me as a minor league player, coach, manager and coordinator and I’m so proud to be part of the Tampa Bay Rays family.”
Francisco and his wife, Estaurys, reside in North Port.
