Dodgers name Chris Woodward first base coach

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Woodward will coach first base, and handle baserunning and infield duties on Dave Roberts' staff. He replaces Clayton McCullough, who left for Miami

The Dodgers turned to an old friend to round out the coaching staff, tabbing Chris Woodward to coach first base in 2025 after Clayton McCullough left to manage the Marlins.

Woodward coached third base for the Dodgers on Dave Roberts' staff from 2016-18 before leaving to manage the Rangers in 2019. Woodward managed parts of four seasons in Texas before returning to the Dodgers in the last year as a senior advisor to the major league team and player development, and was often in uniform before games helping out the coaching staff.

"We are thrilled to have Chris Woodward back on the coaching staff," general manager Brandon Gomes said in a statement. "He has been a staple to this organization, helping us to back-to-back NL pennants and was a key cog to our success last season. Chris will be an invaluable part to the team moving forward as he will take over base running and infield responsibilities while third base coach Dino Ebel will shift over to outfield duties, making for one of the most talented duos in all of baseball."

Woodward, a former Northview High School standout in Covina who played the field in 12 major league seasons for five different teams, began his coaching career with the Mariners in 2012. He was with the Mariners for four years, including as first base coach in 2015 before leaving to join the Dodgers.

McCullough, who was hired by the Marlins on November 11, was with the Dodgers the last 10 seasons, including the last four years coaching first base.