"Driver is plenty familiar with Marlins skipper Clayton McCullough, with whom he worked during on the Dodgers' 2024 coaching staff. Driver spent the 2024-25 seasons as L.A.'s catching coordinator. McCullough was the Dodgers' first base coach from 2021-24. Prior to his time with the Dodgers, Driver spent several seasons as the Cubs' first base coach and catching coach. He was a bullpen catcher and "receiving coach" with the Phillies for a couple years before heading to Chicago."
"Miami's coaching staff isn't turning over all that much in 2026. Driver is one of three known newcomers at present, joining newly hired assistant hitting coaches Chris Hess and Corbin Day, who came over from the Red Sox and Twins organizations, respectively, where they'd been minor league coaches/instructors. Last year's assistant hitting coach, Derek Shomon, left the Fish to take the lead hitting coach job with the White Sox."
Craig Driver has been hired by the Miami Marlins as their first base coach, replacing Tyler Smarslok. Smarslok held the role in 2025 and is leaving to become the Nationals' field coordinator. Driver worked on the Dodgers' 2024 coaching staff and spent 2024-25 as Los Angeles' catching coordinator. He previously served multiple seasons as the Cubs' first base and catching coach and worked for the Phillies as a bullpen catcher and "receiving coach." Driver played catcher in college, coached at Yale in 2016-17, and has worked in professional baseball since 2018. Miami has limited turnover in 2026, adding Driver plus assistant hitting coaches Chris Hess and Corbin Day.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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