Tigers Hire Kyle Hudson as First Base Coach

Detroit names former Red Sox third base coach Kyle Hudson to its 2027 staff, replacing Anthony Sanders.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Baseball

Tigers Hire Kyle Hudson as First Base Coach

The Detroit Tigers have hired Kyle Hudson as first base coach for the 2027 season, filling the role left vacant after the team parted ways with Anthony Sanders. Hudson will also coach the outfielders, according to a source who confirmed the hiring to The Detroit News.

Why it matters

The move reshapes the Tigers' coaching staff under manager AJ Hinch following a staff change that also included the departure of assistant pitching and bullpen coach Juan Nieves. Hudson brings prior major league coaching experience with the Boston Red Sox.

Hudson was drafted by the Orioles in the fourth round in 2008 and played 14 major league games, all in 2011. His coaching path included bench coach at Triple-A Columbus from 2020 to 2022, while Sanders' tenure on Hinch's staff lasted only the 2026 season.

The players

Kyle Hudson

A former Boston Red Sox third base coach and former University of Illinois two-sport athlete, Hudson was hired by the Tigers as first base coach and outfield coach for 2027.

AJ Hinch

The Tigers' manager, Hinch oversees the coaching staff that Hudson joins for the 2027 season.

Anthony Sanders

Sanders was the Tigers coach whose only season on Hinch's staff was 2026, and whose role Hudson replaces.

Juan Nieves

Nieves was the Tigers assistant pitching coach and bullpen coach whose departure accompanied the staff changes.

The details

Hudson, a former Boston Red Sox third base coach, played football and baseball at the University of Illinois before his professional career. Martin Maldonado was also hired as a quality control coach in the same staff reshuffle.

2008: Hudson drafted by the Orioles in the fourth round
2011: Hudson plays 14 major league games
2020-2022: Hudson serves as bench coach at Triple-A Columbus
2026: Sanders completes his only season on Hinch's staff
2027: Hudson takes over as Tigers first base coach

Season Trajectory

The hire marks a turnover in Hinch's coaching structure after a single season under the previous staff. Hudson's arrival places a former Red Sox coach into a leadership role for the Tigers' 2027 campaign.

The staff changes affect how the Tigers develop their infield and outfield players in 2027, as Hudson takes over both first base and outfield coaching duties. Fans following the team's roster decisions will see a new coach directing those position groups.

The takeaway

Coaching staff turnover often signals a team's direction for player development, and Hudson's dual role with first base and the outfield will be worth watching as the 2027 season approaches.