The Houston Astros are parting ways with third-base coach after a decade on the team’s coaching staff, according to a source from MLB.com. Pettis, known for his trademark windmill arm motion at third base, will not return next season as his contract has expired. He was the longest-serving member of the Astros’ coaching staff, having coached baserunning and the outfield. The team has yet to officially confirm the news.
Pettis, 66, joined the Astros in 2015 when A.J. Hinch became manager. Throughout his time in Houston, he worked under three managers, including Hinch and Dusty Baker, both of whom led the team to World Series victories. Pettis was a key part of the Astros’ coaching staff during their appearances in four World Series (2017, 2019, 2021, and 2022). He also coached in two World Series with the Texas Rangers (2010 and 2011).
Before coming to Houston, Pettis spent eight seasons with the Rangers, serving as both third-base and first-base coach and as an outfield and baserunning instructor. He previously worked with the New York Mets (2003-04) and Chicago White Sox (2001-02) and began his coaching career as a Minor League instructor with the Angels and White Sox. Pettis also spent two seasons as the Triple-A hitting instructor for the Milwaukee Brewers (2005-06).
Dave Clark, the Astros’ current first-base coach, could be shifted to Pettis’ third-base role due to his prior experience. However, the Astros are not expected to make any other changes to manager Joe Espada’s staff for 2025. Espada led the Astros to their fourth straight American League West title this season, but the team was eliminated in the AL Wild Card Series by Hinch’s Detroit Tigers.
A former MLB player, Pettis won five Gold Gloves and stole 354 bases during his 11-year career with the Angels, Rangers, Tigers, and Padres. He missed part of the 2020 and 2021 seasons while battling multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer, but returned to coaching midway through the 2022 season. Pettis missed the 2022 ALCS due to an undisclosed illness but returned for the World Series.
Leave a Reply