Yankees grant Twins permission to interview hitting coach James Rowson for managerial job: report

While the Yankees haven’t conveyed that noticeable changes to their coaching staff are expected this offseason, it appears they’re at least comfortable seeing one of Aaron Boone’s trusted minds pursue a promotion elsewhere.

According to a report from the New York Post, the Yankees have granted the Twins permission to interview hitting coach James Rowson for their open managerial position. Red Sox bench coach Ramon Vazquez and former Pirates skipper Derek Shelton are reportedly in the running as well.

It’s not at all surprising to see Rowson — who assumed the Bronx role ahead of the 2024 season — on the Twins’ radar. The 49-year-old oversaw a Yankees offense that produced league-high marks in home runs (274), runs (849), OPS (.787), and walks (639) during the 2025 campaign.

Rowson also has a history with the Twins, as he worked as their hitting coach for three seasons (2017-19) before serving as Marlins bench coach from 2020-22. The Yankees knew they were receiving a power-centric approach from Rowson — the Twins smacked a league-record 307 homers during his third and final season there.

It remains to be seen whether Rowson emerges as a serious managerial candidate. The Mount Vernon native has a long history with the Yankees, too — he played a few seasons in the Yankees’ farm system (1995-97) and spent seven seasons (2006-11, 2014-16) as their minor league hitting coordinator.

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