New Addition: Chris Woodward Named Dodgers First Base Coach

The Los Angeles Dodgers announced Chris Woodward as the new first base coach, replacing Clayton McCullough in the role after he joined the Miami Marlins as their new manager.

Woodward rejoins the coaching staff after spending last season as a Dodgers senior advisor to Major League and Player Development. This will be his second stint on the coaching staff, serving as the Dodgers third base coach from 2016-2018.

Woodward helped the Dodgers reach the World Series in back-to-back seasons in 2017 and 2018 before taking over as the Texas Rangers manager in 2019. He managed 498 games for the Rangers, recording 211 wins before his dismissal on August 15, 2022.

“We are thrilled to have Chris Woodward back on the coaching staff,” general manager Brandon Gomes said. “He has been a staple to this organization, helping us to back-to-back NL pennants and was a key cog to our success last season.

“Chris will be an invaluable part to the team moving forward as he will take over base running and infield responsibilities while third base coach Dino Ebel will shift over to outfield duties, making for one of the most talented duos in all of baseball.”

Last season, Dino Ebel served as the infield and baserunning coach as well while McCullough worked with the outfielders. As Gomes noted, Woodward will now take over work as the infield coach and baserunning coach while Ebel will assist the outfielders in addition to their duties as base coaches.

The 48-year-old began his coaching career in 2012 with the Seattle Mariners, serving various roles throughout his Seattle career, including first base coach in 2015.

The Southern California native played 12 Major League seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays (1999-2004, 2011), New York Mets (2005-06), Atlanta Braves (2007), Seattle Mariners (2009-10) and Boston Red Sox (2009). He recorded 33 homers and 191 RBI in 659 games, while playing seven different positions on the field and posting a career .966 fielding percentage.

Dodgers coaching staff for 2025 season

The only change on the coaching staff from last year is the replacement of McCullough with Woodward. The full staff is as follows:

Manager: Dave Roberts

Bench Coach: Danny Lehmann

Major League Field Coordinator: Bob Geren

Hitting Coaches: Robert Van Scoyoc and Aaron Bates

Pitching Coach: Mark Prior

Assistant Pitching Coach: Connor McGuiness

First Base Coach: Chris Woodward

Third Base Coach: Dino Ebel

Bullpen Coach: Josh Bard