The Pittsburgh Pirates today announced they have added Christian Marrero to the coaching staff as Assistant Major League Hitting Coach. Marrero spent the previous three seasons as a hitting coach in the Phillies organization with Lakewood (2019-20) and Williamsport (2018). The former outfielder played parts of 12 minor league seasons for the White Sox (2006-2011, 2014-15), Pirates (2012), Braves (2012-13) and Phillies (2016-17). Marrero will work closely with Hitting Coach Rick Eckstein, assisting all players at the Major League level.
Mike Rabelo, who served as Assistant Major League Hitting Coach in 2020, is transitioning to a new position on the big league staff as Major League Field Coordinator. In this new role, Rabelo will work with the entire Major League coaching staff to ensure alignment, and will take a leadership position on the use of technology and innovation at the Major League level. Rabelo will also advise and assist Manager Derek Shelton and Bench Coach Don Kelly on MLB rules, in-game situations, and practice design. Rabelo will further be the primary liaison with the Pirates’ Player Development system to ensure alignment and consistency across the organization.