Arizona Diamondbacks’ longtime third-base coach, Tony Perezchica, is leaving the organization to join the Houston Astros, as initially reported by Nick Piecoro of azcentral and confirmed by MLB.com.
Perezchica has been with the Diamondbacks for 22 years, starting as a minor league manager before becoming the third-base coach in 2017 under manager Torey Lovullo. A former major leaguer, Perezchica has played a crucial role as a defensive instructor for Arizona’s infielders, including 2024 Gold Glove finalists Christian Walker and Ketel Marte.
With Perezchica coaching the infielders and Dave McKay overseeing the outfielders, the Diamondbacks have recorded the fewest errors and most outs above average in MLB since 2022. Perezchica was frequently seen working on drills with infielders before games.
He is expected to become the Astros’ third-base coach, replacing Gary Pettis, who is leaving after 10 years with Houston.
The Diamondbacks are now facing significant changes to their coaching staff, as Perezchica joins pitching coach Brent Strom, assistant pitching coach Dan Carlson, and bullpen coach Mike Fetters, all of whom will not return. This turnover comes as the team enters a critical offseason following an 89-73 season that fell short of the playoffs.
Arizona also faces key roster decisions, with players like Christian Walker and Paul Sewald becoming free agents and club options for Eugenio Suárez and Merrill Kelly, alongside mutual options for Randal Grichuk and Joc Pederson.
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