Yankees hire 3-time All-Star as next hitting coach after surprising move

Sean Casey, a three-time MLB All-Star and television analyst, was named the New York Yankees’ next hitting coach on Monday, the team announced.

Casey will replace Dillon Lawson, who was fired Sunday after the team’s loss to the Chicago Cubs. It was the first time general manager Brian Cashman had made a move during the season to shake up the coaching staff.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Aaron Boone #17 of the Cincinnati Reds is congratulated by manager Bob Boone and Sean Casey after a home run in the ninth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals May 5, 2003, in Cincinnati. (Mike Simons/AFP via Getty Images)

«I’ve been able to keep my finger on the pulse of the game, talking to current Major Leaguers, watching a lot of video, analyzing movies as part of my job, and trying to figure out what hitters are doing physically and mentally.», Casey said in a statement. «So I feel good to be ready for this opportunity to teach and impart my experience and ideas.»

Casey will serve under the command of Aaron Boone. The two were teammates when they played for the Cincinnati Reds from 1998 to 2003.

«His passion for hitting is contagious,» Boone added. «His ability to inspire is one of his greatest gifts, and I can’t wait for him to take advantage of our players and help them reach their potential. I have no doubt that he will have a tremendous impact on our team.»

Sean Casey in June 2012

Former Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sean Casey speaks during his team’s Hall of Fame induction ceremonies June 23, 2012, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Al Behrman)

UNAWARE FANS OF MLB ALL-STARS SEATTLE HOMELESS PROTEST COULD DISTURB BIG-GAME FESTIVALS

Casey was a three-time All-Star when he was with the Reds. He also played for the Cleveland Indians, Pittsburgh Pirates, Detroit Tigers, and Boston Red Sox.

He hit .302 with 130 home runs in 1,405 career games.

Lawson was named the hitting coach before the start of the 2022 season. That year, Aaron Judge hit 62 home runs in a dazzling season and set the new American League record for home runs.

However, New York’s .231 batting average is 28th in the majors, ahead only of the Detroit Tigers and Oakland A’s. The Tigers and A’s are both under .500 while the Yankees compete for second and third place in the AL East.

Sean Casey vs. the Cubs

Sean Casey of the Cincinnati Reds hits during a game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field in Chicago during the 2000 season. (Ron Vesely/MLB Photos via Getty Images/File)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

The Yankees are fifth in the majors with 129 home runs, but 18 in runs scored and 26 in on-base percentage.

Associated Press contributed to this report.