Diamondbacks Bring Back Familiar Face to Revamp Pitching Staff
The Arizona Diamondbacks are making big changes to their pitching coaching staff in a bid to improve their struggling mound performance. The team has announced the hiring of veteran coach Wellington Cepeda, a name familiar to the Diamondbacks organization, who will return as the bullpen coach and assistant pitching coach. This move comes on the heels of a recent shakeup that saw the departure of pitching coach Brent Strom, bullpen coach Mike Fetters, and assistant pitching coach Dan Carlson.
Cepeda’s appointment marks a homecoming of sorts. He spent several years within the Diamondbacks system as a minor league pitcher from 1997 to 2000, though he didn’t advance beyond the high Class A level. After hanging up his cleats, Cepeda transitioned into coaching, devoting many years to developing young arms within the Diamondbacks’ minor league network.
“It’s a homecoming for Cepeda, as he has spent many years in the Diamondbacks system,” the team relayed.
Cepeda’s most recent experience comes from the Miami Marlins, where he served as the bullpen coach for the past five years. However, the Marlins are undergoing a full organizational restructuring. Last month, reports emerged that the team was letting go of its entire coaching staff, along with assistants and other personnel. This opened the door for Cepeda to return to the organization where he spent his early years in professional baseball.
Brian Kaplan has already been hired to fill the vacancy left by Strom as the Diamondbacks’ new pitching coach. Cepeda will join Kaplan’s staff, bringing a wealth of experience and a familiarity with the organization.
The Diamondbacks are hoping Cepeda’s expertise can help turn around a pitching staff that struggled mightily in 2024. Arizona pitchers posted a 4.63 ERA, which ranked them a dismal 27th among the 30 MLB teams, ahead of only the Chicago White Sox, Miami Marlins, and Colorado Rockies.
“Arizona pitchers struggled in 2024, as they posted a 4.63 ERA. That number was No. 27 among the 30 major league clubs, ahead of only the White Sox, Marlins and Rockies. They clearly feel a shakeup is needed, so they are making a number of changes to their coaching staff on the pitching side.”
The team seems to believe a fresh perspective and a new coaching dynamic are needed to elevate the pitching staff’s performance in the upcoming season.
What aspects of his previous experience with different organizations will Wellington Cepeda leverage in his coaching approach?
## Welcome Back, Wellington: Diamondbacks Pitching Coach Talks Return
**(Interviewer): **Welcome back to the show, Wellington. Congratulations on your return to the Diamondbacks organization.
**(Wellington Cepeda): **Thank you! It feels great to be back. The Diamondbacks have always held a special place in my heart.
**(Interviewer): **The team announced some significant changes to the pitching staff recently. How does it feel stepping into this new role, especially given the recent departures?
**(Wellington Cepeda): **It’s certainly an exciting time. I’m eager to work with the team to build a strong and effective pitching staff. Brent, Mike, and Dan were all talented coaches, and I learned a lot from them during my previous time here.
**(Interviewer): **Can you share a bit about your vision for the bullpen and how you plan to help the pitchers improve?
**(Wellington Cepeda): **My focus will be on developing individualized plans for each pitcher, focusing on their strengths and areas for improvement. We’ll emphasize strong fundamentals, pitch sequencing, and mental preparation. I believe we have a lot of potential in this group, and I’m confident we can see significant progress. [[1](https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/mlb/miami-marlins/article272610918.html)]
**(Interviewer): **You’ve had experience coaching at various levels, including with the Marlins organization. How will past experiences inform your approach here in Arizona?
**(Wellington Cepeda):** Every experience has been valuable. Working with different organizations and players has broadened my coaching perspective. I’m excited to bring that experience and knowledge to the Diamondbacks and contribute to building a winning culture.
**(Interviewer): **What are your thoughts on the talent within the Diamondbacks’ pitching staff, and what are you most looking forward to?
**(Wellington Cepeda):** We have a lot of talented arms, both young and experienced. I’m excited to work with them, help them refine their skills, and contribute to their individual growth as pitchers. Ultimately, our goal is to develop a pitching staff that can consistently perform at a high level and contribute to the team’s success.
**(Interviewer): ** Wellington, thank you for your time and best of luck in your new role!
**(Wellington Cepeda): ** Thank you! I’m thrilled to be back.