Marlins Hire Rachel Balkovec As Farm Director (Report)

Image credit: Rachel Balkovec (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Two years ago, Rachel Balkovec became the first woman to manage an affiliated minor league team when she became the manager of the Yankees’ Low-A Tampa Tarpons club.

Now, she’s headed into the front office. The Miami Marlins hired Balkovec as their new director of player development, according to multiple reports. Christina De Nicola with MLB.com first reported the news.

While Balkovec was the first female MiLB manager, she will not be the first female farm director. The Astros hired Sara Goodrum, then a Brewers’ hitting coordinator, as the team’s farm director in Feb. 2022 and served in that role in 2022 and 2023.

Under Balkovec, Tampa finished 61-69 in 2023 and 61-67 in 2022. The Tarpons’ most notable prospects to come through Tampa under Balkovec’s supervision included outfielders Jasson Dominguez and Spencer Jones.

Balkovec is one of a number of moves new Marlins’ president of baseball operations Peter Bendix has made as he fills out his front office. Gabe Kapler, previously the Giants’ manager, was also hired as an assistant general manager.

Bendix himself was hired this offseason to replace Kim Ng, the first female general manager in MLB history. Ng stepped down in October 2023 after three years in the role.

Balkovec has worked in the White Sox, Cardinals, Astros and Yankees’ organizations and also spent time working at Driveline Baseball.