The Rays and pitching coach Jim Hickey have decided to part ways after 11 seasons.
This decision comes as a shock to many fans and observers of the team, who believed that in spite of a losing season, much of the coaching staff would remain unchanged going into the 2018 season. Hickey, especially, felt like a foregone conclusion since he has been with the team for such a long time.
Hickey was contracted through the 2018 season, which makes this decision all the more surprising.
With several other teams making sweeping managerial changes over the offseason, there is no doubt Hickey will find a new home in no time.