The Arizona Diamondbacks are making moves to strengthen their coaching staff, bringing back a familiar face: Wellington Cepeda. According to a report from Fish on First’s Isaac Azout, Cepeda will join the team as bullpen coach and assistant pitching coach for the Snakes.
For Cepeda, this is a homecoming of sorts. He has deep-rooted ties to the Diamondbacks organization, having played for them in the minor leagues from 1997 to 2000. Although he never advanced above the High-A level as a player, he moved into coaching after his career ended. He spent many years working with minor league clubs in the Arizona system before getting his first major league experience with the Miami Marlins in 2020.
Cepeda served as Miami’s bullpen coach for five years, but recent changes within the Marlins organization led to an overhaul of the coaching staff. This created an opportunity for Cepeda to return to where it all began for him – Arizona.
The Diamondbacks have also undergone some changes within their coaching ranks. Last month, they decided to part ways with pitching coach Brent Strom, bullpen coach Mike Fetters and assistant pitching coach Dan Carlson. In her place, Brian Kaplan was hired as the new pitching coach. Now, with Cepeda’s addition to Kaplan’s staff, the Diamondbacks are hoping these moves will help improve their struggling pitching staff.
In 2024, Arizona’s pitchers had a collective earned run average (ERA) of 4.63. This ranked them 27th among all 30 teams in Major League Baseball – ahead of only the White Sox, Marlins and Rockies. It’s clear that improvements are needed on the mound if they want to compete at a higher level.
With Cepeda’s experience and knowledge, the Diamondbacks look to capitalize on his expertise in the bullpen and pitching development. His return to the organization brings a sense of familiarity and continuity that could help create a strong foundation for the club’s pitching staff.
As the Diamondbacks make these coaching changes, their focus is on creating a winning culture and improving player performance. By adding Cepeda to their coaching staff, they are sending a signal that they are committed to turning things around and getting back on track.
Time will tell if these measures will have the desired effect, but one thing is certain – the Diamondbacks are not afraid to make changes to achieve success. With Wellington Cepeda now on board, fans in Arizona can eagerly await how this new coaching staff will shape the team’s pitching future.
