Texas Tech Baseball Hires Former MLB Coach as Pitching Coach

LUBBOCK, TX — Texas Tech head baseball coach Tim Tadlock has announced the hiring of Steve Foster, a veteran of nearly two decades in Major League Baseball, as the Red Raiders’ new pitching coach.

Foster, a Dallas native, brings a wealth of experience at the highest levels of the game, including a seven-year stint as pitching coach for the Colorado Rockies (2015–2021) and a recent role as the club’s director of pitching. His hiring adds a high-profile, nationally respected name to the Texas Tech coaching staff.

“Our staff is excited about the addition of Steve and his family to our program,” Tadlock said.  “His resume speaks for itself. His passion for mentoring young men and teaching pitching will be a great asset to our program. Fosty has earned the right to be in the category of one of the best in the business at any level by his commitment to be a lifelong learner.”

Foster’s coaching career includes stops with the Miami Marlins, Kansas City Royals, and most recently the Rockies, where he helped lead the club to back-to-back postseason appearances in 2017 and 2018, a franchise first. Under his guidance, Rockies pitchers like Kyle Freeland, Germán Márquez, and former Red Raider Chad Bettis posted the best seasons of their careers.

During Foster’s tenure, Freeland finished fourth in NL Cy Young voting in 2018 with a 17-7 record and a 2.85 ERA, while Márquez became an All-Star in 2021, the first Rockies starter to receive the honor in over a decade.

Foster’s reputation as both an innovator and motivator is rooted in his ability to blend old-school fundamentals with new-age analytics. He oversaw the development of Colorado’s pitching lab and has remained at the forefront of modern pitching technology.

“Texas Tech is getting a combination of old school and new school,” said Mike Humphrys, Texas Tech Hall of Fame Class of 2005. “It’s about knowing how to pitch, executing a pitch, the purpose of a pitch and setting up hitters. Steve is going to bring a lot of that back to Texas Tech.”

Before coaching, Foster had a standout career as a player. After earning Southland Conference Pitcher of the Year honors at UT Arlington, he was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the 12th round of the 1988 MLB Draft. He appeared in 59 major league games before an injury ended his playing career in 1993.

Foster also brings extensive player development experience, including time as Kansas City’s pitching coordinator and special assistant to the general manager. He contributed to assembling the Royals' bullpen that helped secure the 2015 World Series title.

Foster's Career Highlights:

• MLB Pitching Coach, Colorado Rockies (2015–2021)

• Director of Pitching, Rockies (2021–2025)

• Bullpen Coach, Marlins and Royals

• Pitching Coordinator, Royals Organization

• Scouting & Player Development Roles, Tampa Bay Rays and others

• Minor League Manager and College Coach