The Minnesota Twins have made a unique move by hiring retired right-hander Ryan Pressly for a player development role, as reported by Jon Heyman of The New York Post. This hiring is particularly intriguing given Pressly's recent retirement and his swift transition into a new phase of his career.
At 37 years old, Pressly's professional baseball journey has spanned nearly two decades. He was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 11th round in 2007, but he never rose to the status of a top prospect. A pivotal moment came in 2012 when he was left unprotected in the Rule 5 draft, allowing the Twins to acquire him from the Sox. This move proved to be a turning point in his career, as he went on to establish himself as a major leaguer for 13 seasons.
The Twins traded Pressly to the Houston Astros in 2018, but this transition didn't create any apparent tension between him and the organization. Now, he's returning to the Twins in a different capacity, focusing on player development. This role is significant as it involves working with both major and minor league players, sharing his extensive wisdom and experience.
This hiring is not an isolated incident; it follows the Twins' recent decision to bring back Michael A. Taylor as an outfield instructor. The team seems to be leveraging the expertise of recently retired players to enhance their player development programs. With Pressly's extensive career and the Twins' strategic approach, this move could potentially have a positive impact on the team's future success.
