Tigers Near Hiring Anthony Sanders, Cody Asche in Coaching Shake-Up

The Detroit Tigers are making some bold moves to shake up their coaching staff for the 2025 season. They’re closing in on hiring Anthony Sanders as their new first-base coach and Cody Asche as an assistant hitting coach.

These deals aren’t official yet, but sources around Major League Baseball say talks between Detroit and Baltimore have heated up. It’s another sign that the Tigers are serious about overhauling their coaching lineup this offseason.

Detroit’s Coaching Staff Transformation

Manager A.J. Hinch knows a thing or two about tweaking his staff to get more out of his roster. This move follows the exit of hitting coach Keith Beauregard and the return of Michael Brdar.

It’s all part of a bigger push to strengthen player development, improve hitting, and rethink game strategy. Sanders and Asche bring a mix of veteran experience and fresh, modern ideas.

Anthony Sanders: First-Base Coach with a Rich Coaching Resume

Sanders, 51, has built a name for himself by helping players improve their base-running and outfield defense. He served as Baltimore’s first-base coach from 2020 until recently, and before that, he was a base-running and outfield coordinator, hitting coach, and developmental supervisor with the Colorado Rockies.

He’s known for connecting with players and helping them nail the fundamentals. People around the game say he knows how to foster a winning mindset.

On the field, Sanders had a brief but interesting playing career, getting into 13 MLB games between 1999 and 2001. He also played in Japan and spent years in the minors, which gave him a broad perspective on the game.

Cody Asche: Offensive Strategy Meets Player Development

Cody Asche, at 35, represents a new wave of coaches who combine real playing experience with a knack for analytics. He started out in Baltimore as an offensive strategy coach and hitting coordinator, eventually taking over as hitting coach in 2024.

Asche played a big role in bringing data-driven hitting methods to the table, blending old-school mechanics with modern scouting and analysis. Before coaching, he played third base in the majors with the Phillies and White Sox.

That time at the hot corner gives him some defensive insight, too. His focus on hitting lines up with Detroit’s push to overhaul their offense.

Why These Moves Matter for the Tigers

Detroit’s still in the middle of a rebuild, trying to develop young talent and finally put together a team that can compete. Bringing in Sanders and Asche could spark some real changes:

A.J. Hinch’s Vision for Detroit’s Future

Hinch keeps talking about the need for leadership and player cohesion. By bringing in coaches who blend experience with fresh thinking, he’s doubling down on his plan to build a staff that matches Detroit’s goals on the field and in player development.

The Road Ahead

If these hires go through, the Detroit Tigers will head into 2025 with a new coaching mix. They’re aiming to squeeze more out of every part of the game, from base-running to offense.

Coaching expertise matters more than ever in baseball now. It’s not just about tactics—it’s about shaping the team’s culture, too.

With Hinch at the helm, and maybe Sanders and Asche joining him, the Tigers look set for a shot of fresh energy. There’s a sense of hope, a little uncertainty, and a lot of eyes on Detroit as fans wonder if this overhaul will finally pay off on the field.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Tigers close to hiring Anthony Sanders, Cody Asche amid staff shake-up: Sources