Director of Pitching Development

MLB•Houston, TX

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Houston Astros are seeking a Director of Pitching Development to develop and oversee our minor league pitching philosophy and integrate with ML Pitching development. This role involves overseeing pitching development programs, plans, strategies, and initiatives from AAA down to the DSL, and working with the Director of Player Development to ensure a top-down pitching development philosophy that aligns with ML values. The position also requires collaboration with R&D and Performance Science to leverage information for pitcher improvement, providing input to the Front Office on roster projections, and integrating with 40 Man Pitching development. A key aspect is overseeing the bridge between AAA and ML call-ups and send-downs, fostering a culture of proactive feedback for staff development, and providing professional growth opportunities. Regular travel to minor league locations is expected to reinforce core principles and assist staff. Collaboration with Sports Medicine & Performance is crucial for addressing physical limitations, and the role involves assisting in onboarding new players and leading coaches in setting and executing player goals. Continuous monitoring of player progress, providing feedback, and contributing to the development of new tools and information display methods are also essential. Staying current with player development concepts and evaluating external resources is required, along with providing input on player acquisition and partnering with the Player Development Director on staff hiring, planning, and budgeting.

Requirements

Experience coaching and developing pitchers at scale
Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools
Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
Ability to understand and advocate for changes due to new information and or tools in baseball.

Nice To Haves

Fluency in Spanish is a plus
Professional or collegiate playing experience is a plus

Responsibilities

Oversee Pitching development programs, plans, strategies, and initiatives from AAA down to the DSL.
Work with Director of Player Development to oversee a top down pitching development philosophy and program that aligns with ML values.
Work with R&D and Performance Science to leverage all information available to improve pitcher performance.
Provide input to Front Office about roster projections and promotions.
Integrate with 40 Man Pitching development.
Work with ML staff to oversee the bridge between AAA and ML call ups and send downs.
Create a culture of proactive, job-specific feedback for staff development to encourage open dialogue and open communication.
Provide professional growth opportunities to staff members to promote internal growth.
Regularly rove to all minor league locations to reinforce core principles/processes.
Assist staff with daily responsibilities during affiliate trips.
Collaborate with other disciplines within Sports Medicine & Performance to identify and act on solutions related to physical limitations/opportunities.
Assist in onboarding new players into the organization, partnering with our Scouting departments.
Lead coaches in the identification, setting, and execution of players specific goal plans.
Monitor player progress, provide constructive feedback, and suggest changes on a routine basis.
Contribute constructive feedback and collaboration to R&D that promote development of new tools and ways to effectively display information to help player development.
Stay current with player development concepts/theories in the public space, seeing what the best private facilities/coaches are doing, and evaluate online certification courses.
Provide input on the player acquisition process.
Partner with the Player Development Director in the hiring and on boarding of new staff.
Partner with Player Development Director on future staffing, planning, and budgeting.
Perform other duties as assigned.