Reds should make a bold run at Yankees coach after Derek Johnson's exit

Derek Johnson's departure as Cincinnati Reds pitching coach has left a vacancy the team should pursue aggressively, potentially by targeting Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake. Blake's contract with New York expires after this season, though the Yankees reportedly intend to retain him following a strong 2026 season in which their staff led baseball with a 3.24 ERA. The 41-year-old has been with the Yankees since 2019 and previously worked in player development for the Cleveland Guardians. The Reds have already interviewed internal candidates Oscar Marin and Matt Tracy for the position.

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