Hillman, Rodriguez part ways with Marlins

MIAMI -- Trey Hillman and Robert Rodriguez will not be returning as Marlins coaches in 2022, general manager Kim Ng confirmed on Thursday. Both recently informed the club they will pursue opportunities outside the organization.

"We wish them both the best," Ng said, "and then we anticipate the rest of the staff being back for the 2022 season."

The search has begun for their replacements, with both internal and external candidates being considered.

Hillman, who served as the third-base coach and infield instructor in his third season with Miami, previously spent time as the first-base coach. He has 30 years of coaching experience between Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball, Japan and Korea, including a stint from 2011-13 as the bench coach for Don Mattingly's Dodgers. Rodriguez, the Marlins' assistant hitting coach, was in his fourth season with the organization and second as a member of the MLB coaching staff.

In 2021, the Marlins’ infield ranked 25th in Outs Above Average and committed 73 of the club’s MLB-high 122 errors. Roster turnover played a factor, as did 2020 NL Gold Glove Award finalist Brian Anderson appearing in just 65 games at third base. Miami also finished near the bottom of various offensive categories such as runs (29th), walks (28th), strikeouts (second most) and OPS (29th).

The Marlins and Mattingly exercised his mutual option for 2022 in early July. At the time, Ng said decisions on the coaching staff would be made after the season. Mattingly is the franchise’s longest-tenured and winningest skipper with a 374-494 record in six years.

Three weeks ago, the Marlins didn't renew the contracts of three members of the athletic training staff: Gene Basham, Brad LaRosa and Chris Mudd.