Veteran hitting coach Anthony Iapoce made a good impression with the Detroit Tigers organization in his first year as manager of the Toledo Mud Hens. Lynn Henning of the Detroit News reports that the veteran hitting coach, formerly major league hitting coach for both the Texas Rangers and the Chicago Cubs, will join AJ Hinch’s coaching staff in Detroit this season as their first base coach.
It was announced in October that Alfredo Amezaga wouldn’t be returning in 2024, so the hunt has been ongoing, but ultimately the Tigers decided to stay in house. Iapoce coached for the Cubs during Scott Harris and new GM Jeff Greenberg’s time as assistant GM’s there, so they have plenty of familiarity with him.