ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

Reports: Diamondbacks 3B coach Tony Perezchica leaving for Astros job

Oct 22, 2024, 2:42 PM | Updated: 2:42 pm

Tony Perezchic...

Alek Thomas #5 of the Arizona Diamondbacks celebrates scoring a run on an error with third base coach Tony Perezchica #3 during the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game one of a doubleheader at Dodger Stadium on September 20, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)

(Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)

Arizona Diamondbacks longtime third-base coach Tony Perezchica is leaving the organization for a job with the Houston Astros, as first reported by azcentral’s Nick Piecoro and confirmed by MLB.com.

Perezchica has spent the last 22 seasons with the Diamondbacks, first as a minor league manager and eventually the third-base coach, a role he held since manager Torey Lovullo took over in 2017.

The former big leaguer has been an instrumental defensive instructor for Arizona’s infielders, a group that includes 2024 Gold Glove finalists Christian Walker and Ketel Marte.

Arizona has the fewest errors and most outs above average in MLB since the start of 2022 with Perezchica coaching the infielders and Dave McKay working with the outfielders. Before games, it was a common sight to see Perezchica leading various drills with infielders.

He will reportedly take over as Houston’s third-base coach, as the Astros did not bring back Gary Pettis after 10 years.

The Diamondbacks will have to manage turnover throughout the coaching staff.

Perezchica joins pitching coach Brent Strom, assistant pitching coach Dan Carlson and bullpen coach Mike Fetters as staff members who will not return. The three pitching coaches were let go soon after the D-backs missed the postseason with an 89-73 record.

Paired with the free agent status of Walker and Paul Sewald, club options for Eugenio Suarez and Merrill Kelly along with mutual options for Randal Grichuk and Joc Pederson, there is a lot on Arizona’s plate entering a key offseason in which the club has goals to return to October baseball in 2025.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Diamondbacks...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks would like to name closer by end of spring training, still looking to add

Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen said his bullpen is one of Arizona's best since he arrived, but there are major decisions over the next six weeks. 

9 hours ago

Drey Jameson...

Alex Weiner

D-backs RHP Drey Jameson confident he’ll be ready for Opening Day

After missing an entire season, Diamondbacks pitcher Drey Jameson hopped back on the mound in front of fans on Day 1 of spring training.

10 hours ago

Diamondbacks starting pitcher Ryne Nelson heads into spring training with added comfortability....

Tyler Drake

D-backs’ Ryne Nelson keeping things in perspective this spring training

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Ryne Nelson heads into spring training with added comfortability following a strong finish in 2024.

14 hours ago

Zac Gallen, Diamondbacks...

Alex Weiner

When can fans attend Diamondbacks spring training workouts?

Wednesday is a big day for Diamondbacks fans, as pitchers and catchers officially report, and workouts are open to the public at Salt River Fields. 

1 day ago

Diamondbacks...

Alex Weiner

The 5: Diamondbacks storylines entering spring training

No matter what Punxsutawney Phil saw or not, spring is here because Diamondbacks baseball is back. Let's go over five spring training storylines.

1 day ago

Diamondbacks Scott McGough...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks bring back RHP Scott McGough on minor league deal, sign RHP John Curtiss

The Diamondbacks are giving another look to Scott McGough, who agreed to a minor league deal with an invitation to major league spring training.

1 day ago

Reports: Diamondbacks 3B coach Tony Perezchica leaving for Astros job