Rumor has it Detroit will tap Kyle Hudson for first‑base duties, according to WEEI’s Rob Bradford. He just left Boston, where he served as the Red Sox’s third‑base coach. Could this spark a turnaround?
Detroit said goodbye to Anthony Sanders after just one season behind the plate. The club also dismissed third‑base guru Joey Cora midway through the year, installing Billy Boyer as his replacement.
Hudson’s four‑year stint in Boston began as first‑base coach in 2023 before shifting to the hot corner the next season. He was caught up in the April purge that followed a sluggish start, which saw Alex Cora and most of his staff exit. For my money, his experience surviving a chaotic overhaul makes him a valuable addition to Detroit.
The Tigers have lingered near the bottom of stolen‑base charts, ranking 24th or lower for five straight campaigns. That slump likely ties to coaching. With a full 2027 season for power‑speed prospect Max Clark, Detroit could finally inject some zip. Kevin McGonigle also showed more zip in the minors than his rookie year, where he tallied 12 steals, so perhaps he’ll improve. Will the new staff finally ignite Detroit’s base‑running?