Longtime Giants coach Ron Wotus is stepping down as a full-time coach after the season is over, as per a team announcement. Wotus first joined the team’s coaching staff in 1998 as a third base coach, and served as bench coach for the next 19 seasons before returning to third base duties prior to the 2018 season. Wotus could remain with the organization, as he and the Giants are currently talking about a role in the baseball operations department going forward.
In a statement, Wotus said, “It’s been the privilege of my life to work 34 years for the greatest organization in baseball. I never imagined I’d have the career I’ve had — coaching in four World Series, coaching homegrown players like Buster Posey, Brandon Crawford, Brandon Belt and so many others, and watching them develop into the best players they can be. They are why you coach.
“It’s time for a bit more balance in my life. My wife, Laurie, and my family have been there for me through all the ups and downs, all the travel and long hours, and now I want to be there for them.”
Wotus’ tenure in the San Francisco organization dates back to 1988, when he spent his last two seasons as a player suiting up with the Giants’ Triple-A affiliate. (Wotus’ career as a big league player consisted of 32 games with the Pirates in 1983-84.) From there, Wotus moved on to become a manager in the Giants farm system, working his way up the ladder from 1991-97 and managing at the Single-A, Double-A, and Triple-A levels.
From there, Wotus was promoted to the staff of then-manager Dusty Baker, starting what became the longest run of any coach in Giants franchise history. Wotus worked under four different managers during his time on San Francisco’s coaching staff, best known as Bruce Bochy’s chief advisor on the Giants’ World Series championship teams in 2010, 2012, and 2014.
As one might expect, Wotus received some managerial consideration himself over the years. A mystery team (rumored to be the Rockies) checked in on Wotus following the 2016 season, and the Giants interviewed him for their own managerial vacancy before Gabe Kapler was hired during the 2019-20 offseason. That same winter also saw Wotus become a candidate for the Mets’ bench coach job.
Though this outstanding coaching stint may yet have some more memorable postseason moments remaining, we at MLB Trade Rumors congratulate Wotus on his tremendous career, and wish him the best on his next endeavors.
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