Trenton Thunder Reveal 2026 Coaching Staff for MLB Draft League

The Trenton Thunder just announced their 2026 MLB Draft League coaching staff. Shawn Chacon returns as manager, and there’s a lot to unpack about this group—let’s break down what each coach brings and how it could shape the Thunder’s season opener and player development.

This year’s staff blends familiar faces with some new energy. They’re banking on a mix of former Thunder stars and experienced league mentors. If you ask me, this lineup could keep the franchise’s streak of growing MLB-ready talent alive.

2026 Coaching Staff Overview

The Thunder’s crew has a solid core of veteran leaders. They’ve also brought in specialists for pitching, hitting, and athletic training, all focused on helping players reach that next level.

Shawn Chacon Returns as Manager

Shawn Chacon, a 2006 Thunder alum, is back for his second year managing in the MLB Draft League. It’s also his fifth season coaching in Trenton. He’s been a big part of building the team’s pitching pipeline.

During his three seasons as pitching coach, Chacon helped 17 pitchers get drafted. That’s a pretty eye-popping stat and says a lot about what he brings to the roster.

• 2006 Thunder alum
• Back as manager for his second year in the MLB Draft League
• Produced 17 drafted pitchers during three seasons as pitching coach
• In 2025, ten players drafted; seven others signed as free agents

Ron Mahay Returns as Pitching Coach

Ron Mahay is back in Trenton as pitching coach, heading into his fifth season in the MLB Draft League. His story’s wild—he started as a Thunder outfielder, switched to pitching, and went on to play in 514 major-league games with a 3.83 ERA.

Mahay knows the Thunder system inside and out, and he brings a ton of experience to the mound.

• Former Thunder outfielder who became a pitcher in the mid-1990s
• 14-year MLB career; 514 games; 3.83 ERA
• Entering his fifth season coaching in the MLB Draft League

Josh Johnson Joins as Hitting Coach

Josh Johnson is stepping in as the new hitting coach, making his MLB Draft League coaching debut. He’s got a pretty varied coaching background, including a stint as first-base coach for the Texas Rangers.

Johnson has also worked with the Royals, Nationals, Padres, and Rangers. Most recently, he was a development coach at Triple-A Round Rock, so he’s bringing a data-driven, player-focused approach.

• Former Texas Rangers first-base coach
• Third-round pick in 2004
• Coached with Royals, Nationals, Padres, and Rangers
• Development coach at Triple-A Round Rock before joining Trenton

Athletic Training Staff

Marquise Peel is back for his second season as the Thunder’s athletic trainer. Haley Smith joins as a newcomer, adding a fresh perspective to the staff.

Together, they’ll work to keep players healthy and help them bounce back during the tough summer schedule.

• Marquise Peel returns for his second season as athletic trainer
• Haley Smith joins as the new athletic trainer

Season Opener and Tickets

The Thunder’s 2026 season starts on Tuesday, June 2 at 7:00 p.m. They’ll face off against the Aberdeen IronBirds at Trenton Thunder Ballpark.

If you’re excited to check out the new coaching staff, you can grab tickets or find info on the team’s official channels. Don’t wait too long—opening night’s always a big deal.

• Season opener: June 2, 7:00 p.m.
• Opponent: Aberdeen IronBirds
• Venue: Trenton Thunder Ballpark
• Tickets: trentonthunder.com or Radius 180 Thunder Box Office

 
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