
Some key players have opted out of the 2020 MLB season, and now one important member of a team’s coaching staff has as well.
Cleveland Indians bench coach Brad Mills, who has worked under Terry Francona since 2004, will not be with the team this season. Francona shared the news with reporters on Sunday and said he supports the decision.
Indians manager Terry Francona said bench coach Brad Mills has elected to go home. He left yesterday to be with his family.
Francona offered his support, and that Mills will he missed, and added he knows Mills made the right decision.
— Ryan Lewis (@ByRyanLewis) July 5, 2020
Mills, 63, came over with Francona to Cleveland before the 2013 season. The two previously worked together with the Boston Red Sox from 2004 to 2009 and helped lead the team to two World Series titles. Francona and Mills have a close relationship and have been known to needle each other throughout the years.
Mills managed the Houston Astros for two-plus seasons between his stints working alongside Francona.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher David Price announced on Saturday that he is opting out of the 2020 season. Other players and coaches may do the same before games begin.