The Athletics will carry a different look into 2027, with hitting coach Chris Cron and quality control coach Marcus Jensen leaving the club’s staff after the team decided not to bring either coach back.
The move reshapes part of the A’s offensive and game-preparation group while preserving some continuity. Mike Aldrete, who shared the hitting-coach duties with Cron beginning in 2024, will remain in place. Director of hitting Darren Bush also stays with the organization and will continue to oversee the club’s overall offensive plan.
Offense fought through injuries
The A’s finished tied for 20th in the Majors in runs scored this season, a result that came with several key bats missing time. Nick Kurtz, Brent Rooker, Tyler Soderstrom and Jacob Wilson were among the regulars affected by injuries, leaving the lineup short-handed at different points of the year.
Cron had been part of the Athletics’ hitting operation since joining as an assistant hitting coach in 2022. He moved into the lead hitting-coach role alongside Aldrete before the 2024 season and remained there through the current campaign.
His connection to professional baseball runs well beyond his coaching tenure. Cron spent two seasons in the major leagues as a player and is the father of former big leaguers C.J. Cron and Kevin Cron.
Long A’s tenure ends for Jensen
Jensen’s departure closes a lengthy run in the A’s dugout and coaching rooms. He joined the staff in 2015 and worked in a variety of assignments, including a stint as assistant hitting coach.
Before the 2023 season, Jensen shifted into the quality control position, a role that typically bridges advance preparation, in-game information and communication across the staff. His playing career covered seven MLB seasons and seven different clubs.
With Aldrete and Bush retained, the Athletics have kept two familiar voices around their hitters. Still, the departures of Cron and Jensen leave openings in a staff that will be asked to help the club turn an injury-hit offensive season into a more productive 2027.
