The move ends a 12-year run with the organization and comes after the team failed to agree on a new contract with Bates.
The Dodgers are parting ways with co-hitting coach Aaron Bates, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. The 42-year-old had spent 12 years in the organization, and the split comes down to the two sides not agreeing on a new contract.
The timing stands out. Front office executive Andrew Friedman had indicated the coaching staff would stay intact this winter, making the departure an unexpected shake-up rather than a planned transition.
The change follows a postseason in which the Dodgers offense drew criticism for failing to produce consistently. Whether Bates' exit is framed as a cause or a casualty of that struggle depends on who you ask, but the front office clearly decided a shift was needed after watching the lineup go cold when it mattered.
No word yet on who replaces Bates or whether the other co-hitting coach role changes as a result. The Dodgers have not commented publicly on the move beyond confirmation through sources.