Back in 2023, the Chicago Cubs signed Illinois native Corey Ray to be the bench coach to their Single-A affiliate. Ray, a former fifth overall draft pick by the Milwaukee Brewers, wasted no time going from playing to coaching, as his last game as a player came during the 2022 season.
Once in the Cubs system, Ray also wasted no time making an impact. Going into 2024, he was named the Manager of the team’s Arizona Complex League, while also serving as the organization’s baserunning coordinator. Ray was a speed threat throughout his playing days, so it seemed fitting that after he took over these duties that Chicago would finish third overall in stolen bases each of the last two seasons.
Now just 31 years young, Ray is moving on from the Cubs in favor of a big league coaching job. As a player, Ray appeared in just one MLB game, but he now will have the opportunity to make an impact as the next Washington Nationals first base coach.
Washington Nationals snag Chicago Cubs baserunning coordinator Corey Ray as new first base coach
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In Washington, the Nationals have cleaned house, with lots of front office and coaching changes. For Ray, he will be serving under first-year manager Blake Butera, who also has hired Michael Johns as bench coach and Simon Mathews as pitching coach. The revamped staff underscores the organization’s push toward a fresh identity.
With the Nationals embracing a fresh direction, Ray’s arrival gives the club a young teacher whose strengths can help the organization grow. His work in the Cubs’ system was impressive, and he will hopefully be able to translate his speed-centric skill set into tangible on-field results in a new environment. Ray’s mix of recent playing experience, player-development success, and a track record of elevating team speed makes him a coach who can influence games immediately, and someone who could help shape the Nationals’ identity as they build toward the future.
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