CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cleveland Guardians have made significant changes to their player development staff for the 2026 season, announcing several key appointments that reflect their commitment to internal growth and diversity. Among the most notable of these changes is the surprising appointment of former reliever Nick Wittgren as the pitching coach for the Columbus Clippers, the team’s Triple-A affiliate.
Wittgren, who played for the Guardians from 2019 to 2021, achieved a respectable career ERA of 3.88 over 140 appearances. His transition to coaching comes as a remarkable opportunity, as it is uncommon for organizations to assign new coaches directly to Triple-A without prior experience at lower levels. Joe Noga, during a recent episode of the Cleveland Baseball Talk Podcast, noted that the Guardians must have a high regard for Wittgren’s potential, stating, “They must really think highly of Nick because they’re starting him out at Triple-A. That’s one phone call away from the big leagues.”
Wittgren fills the position previously held by Cody Buckel, who has been promoted to the role of pitching coordinator. This move signifies the Guardians’ ongoing strategy to nurture talent, not only among players but also within their coaching ranks.
Key Appointments Highlight the Guardians’ Commitment to Diversity
In addition to Wittgren’s appointment, the Guardians announced that Andy Tracy will return for his seventh season as the manager of the Clippers, while Greg DiCenzo will lead the Double-A Akron RubberDucks for a third season. Omir Santos will continue his role with the High-A Lake County Captains. Notably, the organization introduced Eric Stamets as the bench coach at Lake County after a stint as a developmental coach with the Houston Astros.
The Guardians also made strides in promoting diversity within their coaching staff. Ilana Mishkin has been elevated to the position of director of player development and player support, while Alyssa Nakken has taken on the role of director of player development at the Arizona complex. Nakken’s background includes experience as a member of the San Francisco Giants’ coaching staff, making her a valuable asset as she oversees the critical developmental facility in Arizona.
Mishkin’s responsibilities will focus on the development and support of international players, an increasingly vital aspect of Major League Baseball as it continues to attract talent globally. The Guardians’ approach to player development emphasizes the integration of diverse backgrounds and experiences, creating a more inclusive environment for growth.
Building a Future-Oriented Coaching Environment
The recent staff assignments are a clear indication of the Guardians’ philosophy of fostering talent from within. By trusting Wittgren with a significant role at Triple-A, the organization demonstrates its confidence in his ability to mentor young pitchers. The promotions of Mishkin and Nakken further highlight the Guardians’ commitment to diversity in baseball operations, encouraging women to take on leadership positions.
These strategic appointments reflect a broader trend in Major League Baseball, where organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of a diverse and well-rounded coaching staff. As the Guardians prepare for the upcoming season, these changes set the stage for a promising future, both for the players and the coaching personnel.
For further insights into the Guardians’ player development strategy and analysis of these staffing changes, fans can listen to the full Cleveland Baseball Talk Podcast featuring Joe Noga and Paul Hoynes. The ongoing dialogue around these developments underscores the Guardians’ dedication to building a strong, competitive team while prioritizing diversity and talent cultivation throughout their organization.
