REPORT: Guardians’ DeMarlo Hale Named Blue Jays Associate Manager

After serving as Cleveland's bench coach for the past three seasons, DeMarlo Hale returns to Toronto, this time as the Blue Jays' Associate Manager.

When the Cleveland Guardians hired Stephen Vogt as their new manager, some changes to the team’s coaching staff were expected to follow.

Even before Vogt’s hiring was announced, it was reported that third base coach Mike Sarbaugh would not return to the team’s staff next season. Bullpen coach Rigo Beltran and replay coordinator Mike Barnett were also reported to not be returning next season.

Now, another major Guardians coaching staff domino has fallen.

Earlier today, the team announced that bench coach DeMarlo Hale has parted ways with Cleveland, while also officially announcing the departures of Sarbaugh, Beltran, and Barnett.

Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to our organization and for our city.

Best of luck in your future endeavors!#ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/2yqkQkqE32

— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) November 13, 2023

In a corresponding announcement, the Toronto Blue Jays officially shared that Hale has been named their new Associate Manager.

OFFICIAL: We're excited to announce the hiring of DeMarlo Hale as our Associate Manager under Manager John Schneider.

Welcome Back, DeMarlo! pic.twitter.com/rw7CjRX9MN

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) November 13, 2023

The 62-year-old had served as the Guardians’ bench coach for the past three seasons.

During this span, Hale served as Cleveland’s interim manager for the final 63 games of the 2021 season after Terry Francona stepped away due to health issues. As interim manager, Hale led Cleveland to a 30-33 record, as the team finished 80-82 overall and missed the postseason.

Jun 7, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians manager Terry Francona (77) and bench coach DeMarlo Hale (30) stand in the dugout in the second inning against the Texas Rangers at Progressive Field / © David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Having previous ties to Francona, he was hired by Cleveland before the 2021 season. 

During Francona’s tenure as manager of the Boston Red Sox, Hale served as the team’s third base coach from 2006 through 2009. He then served as the team’s bench coach for the next two seasons.

Hale will now return to Toronto, where he was most recently coaching before coming to Cleveland. He previously served as the Blue Jays’ bench coach from 2013 through 2018.

While the Guardians announced the hiring of Craig Albernaz as their new Major League Coordinator this past Friday, the team now seeks a new bench coach.