A familiar face will rejoin the Toronto Blue Jays’ coaching staff for the 2024 season.

DeMarlo Hale is returning to the Blue Jays organization as an associate manager on skipper John Schneider’s staff, the club announced via social media on Monday. The 62-year-old spent six seasons working under former manager John Gibbons as a bench coach from 2013-18.

Hale served as a minor-league coach and special assistant with the Atlanta Braves in 2019 before joining the big-league coaching staff the following season. He worked with the Cleveland Guardians over the past three seasons as manager Terry Francona’s bench coach.

“DeMarlo brings passion, toughness, experience, and a history of winning to our coaching staff,” said Schneider in a press release statement. “Adding his voice and intensity to our environment is going to be beneficial for an already close-knit group of staff and players. We are looking forward to DeMarlo’s immediate impact on this team heading into the 2024 season.”

This move marks the second coaching addition of the off-season for Toronto, which hired Carlos Febles last week to become the team’s new third base coach after Luis Rivera announced his retirement at the end of last season. Additionally, they added offensive coordinator to Don Mattingly’s job title on top of his responsibilities as their bench coach.

Hale begins his second tenure north of the border as one of the industry’s most respected and insightful coaching minds.

“When the opportunity came up to return to Toronto in this role, it felt like a good fit. I’m excited to come back to this team and fanbase,” Hale said. “My familiarity with the field staff and other departments will help make a smooth transition and continue to help impact this organization’s success.”

Bringing Hale back into the fold is a valuable addition to the Blue Jays’ coaching staff, and his return should also provide a bit of protection should Mattingly leave for the Milwaukee Brewers’ vacant managerial position this winter.