Cody Asche

{{Infobox baseball biography

| name = Cody Asche

| position = Coach

| image = Cody Asche (18874520932).jpg

| image_size = 250

| caption = Asche with the Phillies in 2015

| team = Baltimore Orioles

| number = 61

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1990|6|30}}

| birth_place = St. Charles, Missouri, U.S.

| bats = Left

| throws = Right

| debutleague = MLB

| debutdate = July 30

| debutyear = 2013

| debutteam = Philadelphia Phillies

| finalleague = MLB

| finaldate = May 12

| finalyear = 2017

| finalteam = Chicago White Sox

| statleague = MLB

| stat1label = Batting average

| stat1value = .234

| stat3label = Home runs

| stat3value = 32

| stat4label = Runs batted in

| stat4value = 129

| teams =

;As player

Philadelphia Phillies ({{mlby|2013}}–{{mlby|2016}})
Chicago White Sox ({{mlby|2017}})

;As coach

Baltimore Orioles ({{mlby|2023}}–present)

}}

Cody James Asche ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|æ|ʃ|iː}} {{respell|ASH|ee}};[https://milb.bamcontent.com/documents/2/0/2/60138202/2018_Roster_August16.pdf Las Vegas 51s 2018 Roster (as of August 16).] Retrieved January 27, 2022. born June 30, 1990) is an American former professional baseball third baseman and left fielder and coach who currently serves as the hitting coach for the Baltimore Orioles of Major League Baseball (MLB). He played in MLB for the Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago White Sox.

After growing up in O'Fallon, Missouri, Asche attended the University of Nebraska, where he played college baseball for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, majored in economics, and achieved recognition for both his athletic and academic performance.

His pro baseball career began when Asche was chosen as the fourth round selection of the Phillies in the 2011 draft. He quickly progressed through the minor league system, briefly dabbling at second base before predominantly sticking to third base and left field. At both positions, minor league scouts regarded his defensive ability as sub-optimal. His career with the Phillies ended in 2016, and he played one additional season in the Chicago White Sox organization before bouncing around several minor league organizations. Since 2022, he has worked as a coach with the Baltimore Orioles organization.

Early life

Asche was born on June 30, 1990, in St. Charles, Missouri, to Todd and Julie Asche; he has a brother named Tyler.{{cite web|title=Cody Asche Bio|url=http://www.huskers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=3662484|work=Huskers.com – Nebraska Athletics Official Web Site|publisher=Nebraska Huskers|access-date=March 2, 2014|archive-date=March 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140303003858/http://www.huskers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=3662484|url-status=live}} He grew up playing baseball, which he started playing with his father and brother in the yard around age five, and football, but he quit playing football in his freshman year of high school. He attended Fort Zumwalt West High School in O'Fallon, Missouri. Playing for the school's baseball team, he had a .425 batting average across his career and batted .512 in his senior season. He then enrolled at the University of Nebraska, where he played college baseball for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. In 2011, Asche's junior year, he had a .327 batting average. His 12 home runs led the Big 12 Conference, while his 56 runs batted in (RBIs) placed him second in the conference. He was named a second-team All-American.{{cite news|last=Overbey|first=Steve|title=Phillies choose O'Fallon native, Zumwalt West grad Asche|url=http://ofallon.patch.com/groups/sports/p/phillies-choose-ofallon-native-fort-zumwalt-west-gradddf9f2aab3|access-date=January 22, 2014|newspaper=O'Fallon Patch|date=June 8, 2011|archive-date=February 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202094325/http://ofallon.patch.com/groups/sports/p/phillies-choose-ofallon-native-fort-zumwalt-west-gradddf9f2aab3|url-status=live}} While at Nebraska, he majored in economics and maintained a grade point average (GPA) of 3.407. Because of his strong grades, he earned placement on the Big 12 Conference Commissioner's Honor Roll, a distinction bestowed upon student-athletes that achieve a GPA of 3.0 or greater,{{cite press release | url=http://www.big12sports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=1514852 | title=Big 12 Conference Academic Programs | publisher=Big12Sports.com | date=July 18, 2008 | access-date=March 2, 2014 | archive-date=September 23, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923185140/http://www.big12sports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=1514852 | url-status=live }} for five of his college semesters.

Professional career

=Philadelphia Phillies=

==Minor leagues==

The Phillies drafted Asche in the fourth round, with the 151st overall selection, of the 2011 MLB draft.{{cite news|last=Brookover|first=Bob|title=Phillies farmhand Cody Asche a quick study|url=http://articles.philly.com/2012-05-20/news/31778675_1_phillies-williamsport-swing|access-date=January 22, 2014|newspaper=The Philadelphia Inquirer|date=May 20, 2012|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304091508/http://articles.philly.com/2012-05-20/news/31778675_1_phillies-williamsport-swing|url-status=dead}} In 2011, the Phillies moved him to second base for his professional debut the Williamsport Crosscutters of the Low–A New York–Penn League. He struggled there, posting a batting average of just .192. After the season, he was moved back to third base. In 2012, he hit .349 with the Clearwater Threshers of the High–A Florida State League, and was promoted to the Reading Phillies of the Double–A Eastern League, where he batted .300. Using his combined stats from all levels during the 2012 season, he led all Phillies minor leaguers with a .324 batting average, and 168 hits; his efforts earned him two Phillies Minor League Player of the Week selections (one in May and one in August), and a Minor League Player of the Month selection in May. The Phillies assigned Asche to the Peoria Javelinas in the Arizona Fall League after the season for further development, and he played in the league's all-star game and led the league in doubles with 11.{{cite news|date=November 8, 2012|first=Mark|last=Brown|url=http://articles.philly.com/2012-11-08/sports/34995243_1_cody-asche-arizona-fall-league-phillies|title=Phillies prospect Cody Asche shines in Arizona Fall League|newspaper=The Philadelphia Inquirer|access-date=January 27, 2013|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304060900/http://articles.philly.com/2012-11-08/sports/34995243_1_cody-asche-arizona-fall-league-phillies|url-status=dead}}

Keith Law, a minor league talent evaluator for ESPN, derided Asche as a prospect both offensively and defensively, noting that he likely would not be much of a power hitter and was a questionable defender. Nevertheless, Baseball America rated Asche as the Phillies' seventh-best prospect after the 2012 season. After the 2012 season, another analyst wrote that Asche had an "average" body for a baseball player, commented that while he had limited power potential, he could be a solid contact hitter because of quick hands and "incredibly sound" hitting mechanics, but was a "terrible" defender with a "fringy arm". Subsequently, however, he improved defensively to become "passable".{{cite web|last=Longenhagen|first=Eric|title=The future is unwritten: Cody Asche|url=http://crashburnalley.com/2012/11/28/the-future-is-unwritten-cody-asche/|work=Crashburn Alley|publisher=SweetSpot Network – ESPN|access-date=March 2, 2014|date=November 28, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141012183348/http://crashburnalley.com/2012/11/28/the-future-is-unwritten-cody-asche/|archive-date=October 12, 2014|url-status=dead}} In 2013, Asche played for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs of the Triple–A International League (IL). He was named to the IL team in the Triple-A All-Star Game.{{cite news |url=http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/ironpigs/index.ssf/2013/07/ironpigs_third_baseman_cody_as.html |title=IronPigs third baseman Cody Asche starts 2013 Triple-A All-Star Game on bench |newspaper=The Express-Times |location=Easton, Pennsylvania |date=July 17, 2013 |access-date=July 30, 2013 |archive-date=February 2, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202101014/http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/ironpigs/index.ssf/2013/07/ironpigs_third_baseman_cody_as.html |url-status=live }} After batting .295 with 15 home runs and 68 RBIs for Lehigh Valley,{{cite news |last=Evans |first=Bill |url=http://www.nj.com/phillies/index.ssf/2013/07/cody_asche_called_up_to_phillies_while_michael_young_remains_on_team.html |title=Cody Asche called up to Phillies, while Michael Young remains on team |newspaper=South Jersey Times |date=July 30, 2013 |access-date=July 31, 2013 |archive-date=February 3, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203170403/http://www.nj.com/phillies/index.ssf/2013/07/cody_asche_called_up_to_phillies_while_michael_young_remains_on_team.html |url-status=live }} and being named their Player of the Month for July,{{cite news|last=LoRe|first=Michael|title=Cody Asche caps fast ascension through Phillies organization with promotion to Philadelphia|url=http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/ironpigs/index.ssf/2013/07/cody_asche_caps_fast_ascension.html|access-date=January 22, 2014|newspaper=The Express-Times|date=July 31, 2013|location=Easton, Pennsylvania|archive-date=February 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202100921/http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/ironpigs/index.ssf/2013/07/cody_asche_caps_fast_ascension.html|url-status=live}} the Phillies promoted Asche to the major leagues on July 30.{{cite web |url=http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130730&content_id=55247964&vkey=news_phi&c_id=phi |title=Phillies promote Cody Asche, indicating Michael Young might be traded |work=phillies.com: News |publisher=MLB Advanced Media |date= |access-date=July 30, 2013 |archive-date=December 16, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216103622/http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130730&content_id=55247964&vkey=news_phi&c_id=phi |url-status=dead }} One writer found it "mildly surprising" that the Phillies called up Asche rather than Maikel Franco, a fellow third base prospect who most thought had far more potential than Asche.{{cite web|last=Sommers|first=Ryan|title=2013 Report Card: Cody Asche|url=http://crashburnalley.com/2013/11/14/2013-phillies-report-card-cody-asche/|work=Crashburn Alley|publisher=SweetSpot Network – ESPN|access-date=March 2, 2014|date=November 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140326152456/http://crashburnalley.com/2013/11/14/2013-phillies-report-card-cody-asche/|archive-date=March 26, 2014|url-status=dead}}

==Major leagues==

File:Chase Utley and Cody Asche, August 22, 2014.JPG

==2013==

Although Asche was a non-roster invitee to major league spring training, the Phillies called up Asche to give him "an extended look" at the third base position, particularly in comparison to Franco. On July 30, 2013, Asche was called up by the Phillies, who quickly installed him as the team's starting third baseman. Upon his call-up, some scouts and coaches compared him to Chase Utley, particularly his demeanor.{{cite news|title='He's got some Utley in him'|first=Bob|last=Brookover|work=Philadelphia Inquirer|date=May 26, 2013|page=E6}} Asche hoped to emulate Utley, noting, "I can only hope someday I can be compared to that guy."{{cite news|last=Gelb|first=Matt|title=Phillies Notes: Phils call up Asche for an extended look at third|url=http://articles.philly.com/2013-08-01/sports/40919008_1_cody-asche-phillies-notes-third-base|access-date=January 22, 2014|newspaper=The Philadelphia Inquirer|date=August 1, 2013|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304001900/http://articles.philly.com/2013-08-01/sports/40919008_1_cody-asche-phillies-notes-third-base|url-status=dead}} As a hitter, he is better as a contact hitter than a power hitter; defensively, he made improvements, which (at the time) brought him accolades from then-Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg.{{cite news|title=Phillies already moving into future|first=Rob|last=Maaddi|work=Los Angeles Times|date=September 8, 2013|page=C3}}

On August 8, Asche went 3-for-5 with a double, a home run and two RBI. He had a two-run home run to right field in the fourth inning to give the Phillies a nine-run lead. It was the first home run of his big league career.{{cite web|title=Chicago Cubs at Philadelphia Phillies – August 8, 2013|url=http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_08_08_chnmlb_phimlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=phi#gid=2013_08_08_chnmlb_phimlb_1&mode=box|work=MLB.com|access-date=August 23, 2013|date=August 8, 2013|archive-date=December 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216103619/http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_08_08_chnmlb_phimlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=phi#gid=2013_08_08_chnmlb_phimlb_1&mode=box|url-status=dead}} On September 6, 2013, Asche hit a game-winning two-run homer to lead the Phillies over the first-place Atlanta Braves.{{cite web|last=Associated Press|title=Asche leads Phillies over Braves|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/asche-leads-phillies-over-braves-013546202--mlb.html|work=Yahoo! Sports|publisher=Yahoo!|access-date=January 22, 2014|date=September 6, 2013|archive-date=February 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219053410/http://sports.yahoo.com/news/asche-leads-phillies-over-braves-013546202--mlb.html|url-status=live}} Asche concluded the 2013 season with a .235 batting average, 5 home runs, and 22 RBI at the major league level.{{cite web|title=Cody Asche Statistics and History|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/ascheco01.shtml|work=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=March 19, 2014|archive-date=March 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140321065350/http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/ascheco01.shtml|url-status=live}}

==2014==

Entering the 2014 season, most writers thought he had earned the starting third baseman's job. Bill Baer, a writer for ESPN, NBC Sports, and Baseball Prospectus, noted that not only had Asche earned a starting spot, but that his 2013 success helped the development of the team at large. He explained, {{blockquote|"Last year, the Phillies went into the off-season looking at a weak free agent market for third basemen and no realistic internal options. The Phillies opted to trade for Michael Young, which did not pan out. Considering the way Asche has played in a month-plus, the Phillies don’t have to worry about third base at all this off-season. Even better is that Maikel Franco will get a chance to prove himself at the Triple-A level over an entire season. Had Asche not been an option, the Phillies may have gone with another stopgap solution, and that could have motivated the Phillies to rush Franco along faster than necessary," – Bill Baer{{cite web|last=Baer|first=Bill|title=Cody Asche making a strong case for the starting 3B job in 2014|url=http://crashburnalley.com/2013/09/09/cody-asche-making-a-strong-case-for-the-starting-3b-job-in-2014/|work=Crashburn Alley|publisher=Sweetspot Network, an ESPN affiliate|access-date=January 22, 2014|date=September 9, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140204053004/http://crashburnalley.com/2013/09/09/cody-asche-making-a-strong-case-for-the-starting-3b-job-in-2014/|archive-date=February 4, 2014|url-status=dead}}}} Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg also called Asche the leading candidate for the job, noting that he would be the Phillies first homegrown third baseman since Scott Rolen.{{cite news|last=Gelb|first=Matt|title=Sandberg: Cody Asche is 'leading candidate' for third base in 2014|url=http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/phillies_zone/Sandberg-Cody-Asche-is-leading-candidate-for-third-base-in-2014.html|access-date=January 22, 2014|newspaper=The Philadelphia Inquirer|date=September 25, 2013|archive-date=February 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219090747/http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/phillies_zone/Sandberg-Cody-Asche-is-leading-candidate-for-third-base-in-2014.html|url-status=live}} Most were optimistic on Asche's development, though noted he is another left-handed hitter in a lineup dominated by lefties, featuring only one-to-two righties.{{cite web|last=Lee|first=Alex|title=Player Review: Cody Asche|url=http://philliesnation.com/archives/2013/10/phillies-nation-player-review-cody-asche/|publisher=Phillies Nation|access-date=January 22, 2014|date=October 19, 2013|archive-date=October 23, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023160009/http://philliesnation.com/archives/2013/10/phillies-nation-player-review-cody-asche/|url-status=live}} The Phillies ultimately demoted Franco, and Asche was named the opening day starter at third base.{{cite web|last=Zolecki|first=Todd|title=Asche likely wins the job at third after Franco's demotion|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140322&content_id=69872408¬ebook_id=69901664&vkey=notebook_phi&c_id=phi|work=phillies.com: News|publisher=MLB Advanced Media|access-date=March 23, 2014|date=March 22, 2014|archive-date=March 23, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140323230328/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140322&content_id=69872408¬ebook_id=69901664&vkey=notebook_phi&c_id=phi|url-status=live}}

Asche began the 2014 successfully; on opening day, he went three-for-four at the plate (3 hits in 4 at bats), scored four runs, had a double, home run, and two RBI.{{cite news|last=Gelb|first=Matt|title=Phillies start with a bang in 14-10 win over Rangers|url=http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/phillies/20140401_Phillies_start_a_bang_in_14-10_win_over_Rangers.html|access-date=April 1, 2014|newspaper=The Philadelphia Inquirer|date=March 31, 2014|archive-date=April 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140402025210/http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/phillies/20140401_Phillies_start_a_bang_in_14-10_win_over_Rangers.html|url-status=live}} However, over the first month of the season, he struggled, which led to frequent replacement in the lineup by either Freddy Galvis or Jayson Nix, particularly against left-handed pitchers.{{cite news|last=Gelb|first=Matt|title=Phillies Notes: Galvis takes struggling Asche's place vs. Dodgers|url=http://articles.philly.com/2014-04-23/sports/49321924_1_phillies-notes-cody-asche-darin-ruf|access-date=May 6, 2014|newspaper=The Philadelphia Inquirer|date=April 23, 2014|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304073059/http://articles.philly.com/2014-04-23/sports/49321924_1_phillies-notes-cody-asche-darin-ruf|url-status=dead}} None of the trio produced offensively, which led to suggestions within the media the Phillies should promote Franco.{{cite web|last=Lombardo|first=Matt|title=How much longer until they call up third baseman Maikel Franco?|url=http://www.nj.com/phillies/index.ssf/2014/05/phillies_should_consider_maikel_franco_call_up_to_solve_cold_corner.html|work=Phillies – NJ.com|publisher=New Jersey On-Line|access-date=May 6, 2014|date=May 2, 2014|archive-date=May 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140506003943/http://www.nj.com/phillies/index.ssf/2014/05/phillies_should_consider_maikel_franco_call_up_to_solve_cold_corner.html|url-status=live}} On May 6, however, he had four hits in four at bats, including a game-tying grand slam in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays, though the Phillies ultimately lost in extra innings.{{cite news|last=Kennedy|first=Brendan|title=Blue Jays bounce back, beat Phillies in 10th|url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/bluejays/2014/05/06/blue_jays_bounce_back_beat_phillies_in_10th.html|access-date=May 7, 2014|newspaper=The Toronto Star|date=May 6, 2014|archive-date=May 8, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140508025522/http://www.thestar.com/sports/bluejays/2014/05/06/blue_jays_bounce_back_beat_phillies_in_10th.html|url-status=live}} He struggled mightily in the field on May 13, committing three total errors, two of which occurred in an inning during which the Angels scored four unearned runs. However, after that series, Asche bounced back against the Reds in a three-game series during which he went 7 for 12 with six RBI and three extra base hits, including a three-run home run.{{cite web|title=Los Angeles Angels vs. Philadelphia Phillies – Box Score – May 13, 2014|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=340513122|work=ESPN|publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures|access-date=May 14, 2014|archive-date=May 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140514102820/http://scores.espn.go.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=340513122|url-status=live}} On May 25, he was placed on the disabled list as a precaution due to a strained left hamstring.{{cite web|last=Zolecki|first=Todd|title=Ailing hamstring puts Asche on 15-day DL|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140525&content_id=76747170¬ebook_id=76759778&vkey=notebook_phi&c_id=phi|work=phillies.com: News|publisher=MLB Advanced Media|access-date=May 25, 2014|date=May 25, 2014|archive-date=May 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140525235336/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140525&content_id=76747170¬ebook_id=76759778&vkey=notebook_phi&c_id=phi|url-status=live}} As the season progressed, Asche was the regular starter, and ultimately, he described his season as "satisfactory", with room for improvement, while Crashburn Alley's Michael Baumann called Asche's season "encouraging and disappointing at the same time."{{cite web|last1=Eggert|first1=Steven|title=Cody Asche reflects on 1st big-league season|url=http://www.csnphilly.com/baseball-philadelphia-phillies/cody-asche-reflects-1st-full-big-league-season|website=CSNPhilly.com|publisher=Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia|access-date=November 29, 2014|date=September 28, 2014|archive-date=December 5, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205155543/http://www.csnphilly.com/baseball-philadelphia-phillies/cody-asche-reflects-1st-full-big-league-season|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=Baumann|first1=Michael|title=2014 Phillies Report Card: Cody Asche|url=http://crashburnalley.com/2014/10/16/2014-phillies-report-card-cody-asche/|website=Crashburn Alley|publisher=SweetSpot Network, an ESPN affiliate|access-date=November 29, 2014|date=October 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204233725/http://crashburnalley.com/2014/10/16/2014-phillies-report-card-cody-asche/|archive-date=December 4, 2014|url-status=dead}}

==2015==

Asche began the 2015 season among the team's hottest hitters, and a mainstay in the lineup as the team's starting third baseman.{{cite web|last1=Chesterton|first1=Eric|title=The Phillies should fire Ryne Sandberg, but not because of the bunts|url=http://www.thegoodphight.com/2015/4/25/8497241/the-phillies-should-fire-ryne-sandberg-but-not-because-of-the-bunts|website=The Good Phight – SBNation.com|publisher=Vox Media|access-date=April 30, 2015|date=April 25, 2015|archive-date=April 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150427231218/http://www.thegoodphight.com/2015/4/25/8497241/the-phillies-should-fire-ryne-sandberg-but-not-because-of-the-bunts|url-status=live}} However, in late April, he began working on skills as an outfielder, ostensibly in preparation for the arrival of minor league prospect Maikel Franco, regarded as a stronger defensive third baseman.{{cite web|last1=Zolecki|first1=Todd|title=Phils give Asche reps in left field as Franco promotion nears|url=http://m.phillies.mlb.com/news/article/121347952/philadelphia-phillies-third-baseman-cody-asche-gets-time-in-left-field|website=phillies.com|publisher=MLB Advanced Media|access-date=April 30, 2015|date=April 29, 2015|archive-date=May 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150503015441/http://m.phillies.mlb.com/news/article/121347952/philadelphia-phillies-third-baseman-cody-asche-gets-time-in-left-field|url-status=dead}} In fact, the Phillies optioned Asche back to Triple-A on May 12 to accelerate his development as a left fielder, as Franco was hitting very well in the minor leagues, and could be ready for a promotion. Although surprised and disappointed by the move, Asche sought to trust the organization and play wherever it needed him.{{cite news|last1=Breen|first1=Matt|title=Asche goes 2 for 2 in debut as leftfielder with IronPigs|url=http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/phillies/20150513_Asche_debuts_as_leftfielder_with_IronPigs.html?mr=1&submit=Vote&303493461=Y&oid=2&pid=303493461&cid=8500281#poll_questions_top|access-date=May 15, 2015|work=The Philadelphia Inquirer|date=May 13, 2015|archive-date=April 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210403164630/https://www.inquirer.com/philly/sports/phillies/20150513_Asche_debuts_as_leftfielder_with_IronPigs.html?mr=1&submit=Vote&303493461=Y&oid=2&pid=303493461&cid=8500281#poll_questions_top|url-status=live}} Ultimately, Asche struggled to find playing time during the remainder of the season, although MLB.com writer Todd Zolecki said that Asche would be given an opportunity in 2016 as the Phillies like his makeup, but the burden will be on him to produce results to justify the playing time, given the amelioration of other options at his positions.{{cite web|last1=Zolecki|first1=Todd|title=Inbox: Was dealing Giles the right move?|url=http://m.phillies.mlb.com/news/article/160090402/inbox-was-trading-ken-giles-the-right-move|website=MLB.com: News|publisher=MLB Advanced Media|access-date=January 5, 2016|date=January 3, 2016|archive-date=January 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160106080152/http://m.phillies.mlb.com/news/article/160090402/inbox-was-trading-ken-giles-the-right-move|url-status=dead}}

==2016==

Asche struggled to establish himself throughout the 2016 season, and ultimately the emergence of Franco at third base forced Asche permanently into the outfield, where he struggled to produce after returning from an oblique injury that sidelined him until June.{{cite web|last1=Zolecki|first1=Todd|title=Phillies' Cody Asche has strained oblique|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/phillies-cody-asche-has-strained-oblique-c166885802|website=MLB.com: News|publisher=MLB Advanced Media|access-date=December 12, 2016|date=March 10, 2016|archive-date=December 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220161411/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/166885802/phillies-cody-asche-has-strained-oblique/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Cody Asche returns in the nick of time|url=http://www.thegoodphight.com/2016/6/2/11843194/cody-asche-returns-in-the-nick-of-time|website=The Good Phight - SBNation.com|publisher=Vox Media|access-date=December 12, 2016|date=June 2, 2016|archive-date=December 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220152243/http://www.thegoodphight.com/2016/6/2/11843194/cody-asche-returns-in-the-nick-of-time|url-status=live}} He stayed with the major league team from June 2 through August 9, but was optioned to Lehigh Valley upon the return of Peter Bourjos. In the minor leagues, he hit .302, earning a September call-up, but he did not earn significant playing time throughout the remainder of the season, and ultimately, his season ended with a "disappointing" stat line of a .213 batting average with four home runs and 13 RBI in 71 games.{{cite web|last1=Bingol|first1=Spencer|title=2016 Phillies Report Card: Cody Asche|url=http://crashburnalley.com/2016/11/29/2016-phillies-report-card-cody-asche/|website=Crashburn Alley|publisher=SweetSpot Network, an ESPN affiliate|access-date=December 12, 2016|ref=crashburn2016|date=November 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709141355/http://crashburnalley.com/2016/11/29/2016-phillies-report-card-cody-asche/|archive-date=July 9, 2017|url-status=dead}} The Phillies designated Asche for assignment on December 2, 2016, following the waiver claim of David Rollins, and he became a free agent.{{cite web|title=Phillies' Cody Asche: DFA'd by Phillies|url=http://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/phillies-cody-asche-dfad-by-phillies/|website=CBSSports.com|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=December 12, 2016|date=December 2, 2016|archive-date=December 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220145130/http://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/phillies-cody-asche-dfad-by-phillies/|url-status=live}}

=Chicago White Sox=

On January 6, 2017, Asche signed a minor league contract with the Chicago White Sox.{{cite web|url=http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/01/white-sox-sign-cody-asche-minors.html|title=White Sox, Cody Asche Agree To Minor League Deal|last=Adams|first=Steve|work=mlbtraderumors.com|date=January 6, 2017|access-date=January 6, 2017|archive-date=January 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170107125504/http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/01/white-sox-sign-cody-asche-minors.html|url-status=live}} During April and May of the 2017 season, Asche appeared in 19 MLB games with Chicago, batting 6-for-57 (.105) with one home run and four RBI. He was outrighted to the Triple–A Charlotte Knights on May 16, where he batted .292 in 87 games, with 14 home runs and 57 RBI. He became a free agent after the season.

=New York Yankees=

On December 14, 2017, Asche signed a minor league contract with the Kansas City Royals that included an invitation to spring training.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/12/minor-mlb-transactions-121417-2.html|title=Minor MLB Transactions: 12/14/17|last=Polishuk|first=Mark|work=mlbtraderumors.com|date=December 14, 2017|access-date=December 15, 2017|archive-date=July 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713075903/https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/12/minor-mlb-transactions-121417-2.html|url-status=live}} On April 4, 2018, the Royals traded Asche to the New York Yankees for a player to be named later or cash considerations.{{cite tweet |user=Royals |number=981563160493805568 |title=We have traded INF Cody Asche to the New York Yankees for a player to be named or cash considerations. |date=April 4, 2018}} He was assigned to the Triple–A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, where he batted .169 in 16 games. He was released by the organization on May 1.{{cite web |url=https://www.milb.com/player/cody-asche-605125 |title=Cody Asche Stats, Highlights, Bio |website=Minor League Baseball |access-date=July 21, 2019 |archive-date=October 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181020085351/http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?player_id=605125 |url-status=live }}

=New York Mets=

The New York Mets signed Asche to a minor league deal on May 3, 2018, and assigned him to the Triple-A Las Vegas 51s.{{Cite news |title=Mets' Cody Asche: Signs with Mets |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/mets-cody-asche-signs-with-mets/ |website=CBS Sports |date=May 3, 2018 |access-date=May 4, 2018 |archive-date=May 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180505134816/https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/mets-cody-asche-signs-with-mets/ |url-status=live }} In 89 games with Las Vegas, Asche batted .230 with 10 home runs and 38 RBI. He became a free agent after the season on November 2.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/minor-league-free-agents-2018/|title=Minor League Free Agents 2018|work=Baseball America|first=Matt|last=Eddy|date=November 6, 2018|access-date=November 12, 2018|archive-date=June 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190624231938/https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/minor-league-free-agents-2018/|url-status=live}}

=Sugar Land Skeeters=

On February 6, 2019, Asche signed a minor league deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/minor-league-transactions-feb-2-15-2019/|title=Minor League Transactions: Feb 2 - Feb 15|work=Baseball America|first=Matt|last=Eddy|date=February 18, 2019|access-date=February 18, 2019|archive-date=February 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190219130125/https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/minor-league-transactions-feb-2-15-2019/|url-status=live}} After being released at the end of spring training, on April 15, 2019, Asche signed with the Sugar Land Skeeters of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.{{Cite web |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/04/cody-asche-signs-atlantic-league-sugar-land-skeeters.html |title=Cody Asche Signs with Sugar Land Skeeters |access-date=March 31, 2021 |archive-date=September 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918134429/https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/04/cody-asche-signs-atlantic-league-sugar-land-skeeters.html |url-status=live }} In 6 games, he went 5–for–20 (.250) with one home run, three RBI, and one stolen base.

=Boston Red Sox=

On May 3, 2019, Asche's contract was purchased by the Boston Red Sox;{{cite web |url=http://m.redsox.mlb.com/roster/transactions/2019/05 |title=Red Sox Roster & Staff – Transactions |website=MLB.com |date=May 2019 |access-date=May 3, 2019 |archive-date=May 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503033909/http://m.redsox.mlb.com/roster/transactions/2019/05 |url-status=dead }}{{cite press release |url=https://www.sugarlandskeeters.com/news/boston-red-sox-purchase-contract-of-if-of-cody-asche |title=Boston Red Sox Purchase Contract of IF/OF Cody Asche |website=sugarlandskeeters.com |date=May 3, 2019 |access-date=May 3, 2019 |archive-date=May 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503213334/https://www.sugarlandskeeters.com/news/boston-red-sox-purchase-contract-of-if-of-cody-asche |url-status=live }} he was subsequently assigned to the Double–A Portland Sea Dogs.{{cite web |url=https://www.milb.com/player/cody-asche-605125 |title=Cody Asche Stats, Highlights, Bio |website=Minor League Baseball |access-date=June 5, 2019 |archive-date=October 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181020085351/http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?player_id=605125#/ |url-status=live }} In 23 games for Portland, he slashed .208/.363/.292 with one home run, eight RBI, and three stolen bases. Asche elected free agency following the season on November 4.{{Cite web|title=Minor League Free Agents 2019|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/minor-league-free-agents-2019/|access-date=August 17, 2024|website=baseballamerica.com|language=en}}

On December 20, 2019, Asche signed a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins.{{Cite web |url=http://twinsdaily.com/_/minnesota-twins-news/minnesota-twins/twins-boast-plethora-of-backup-options-r8881 |title=Twins Boast Plethora of Backup Options |access-date=March 31, 2021 |archive-date=January 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200124065028/http://twinsdaily.com/_/minnesota-twins-news/minnesota-twins/twins-boast-plethora-of-backup-options-r8881 |url-status=live }} He did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web|title=2020 Minor League Baseball season cancelled|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/2020-minor-league-baseball-season-canceled|access-date=September 17, 2024|website=mlb.com|language=en}} Asche became a free agent on November 2, 2020.{{Cite web|title=Full List of 2020-2021 MiLB Free Agents|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/full-list-of-2020-2021-milb-free-agents/|access-date=September 17, 2024|website=baseballamerica.com|language=en}}

Coaching career

=Philadelphia Phillies=

On March 31, 2021, it was announced that Asche was hired as the hitting coach for the Clearwater Threshers, the Low-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies.{{Cite web |last=Silver |first=Ben |date=March 31, 2021 |title=Cody Asche to join Clearwater Threshers coaching staff |url=https://www.philliesnation.com/2021/03/cody-asche-to-join-clearwater-threshers-coaching-staff/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331192453/https://www.philliesnation.com/2021/03/cody-asche-to-join-clearwater-threshers-coaching-staff/ |archive-date=March 31, 2021 |access-date=August 2, 2024 |website=Phillies Nation |language=en-US}}

=Baltimore Orioles=

Asche joined the Baltimore Orioles as the organization’s upper–level hitting coordinator beginning with the 2022 season.{{cite web | title=Press release: Orioles announce player development and scouting staffs for 2022 season | website=MLB.com | date=January 26, 2022 | url=https://www.mlb.com/orioles/press-release/press-release-orioles-announce-player-development-and-scouting-staffs-for-2022 | access-date=August 2, 2024}} He was promoted to manager Brandon Hyde's coaching staff as its offensive strategy coach for the 2023 season on November 8, 2022.{{Cite web |last=Melewski |first=Steve |date=November 9, 2022 |title=Cody Asche talks about joining the Orioles' coaching staff |url=https://www.masnsports.com/blog/cody-asche-talks-about-joining-the-orioles-coaching-staff |access-date=August 2, 2024 |website=MASNsports.com}}

On November 5, 2024, the Orioles named Asche their hitting coach for the 2025 season.{{Cite web|title=Orioles To Name Cody Asche Hitting Coach|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/11/orioles-to-name-cody-asche-hitting-coach.html|access-date=November 9, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}}

Player profile

File:Cody Asche at bat.jpg

=Batting=

When Asche reached the major leagues, he was regarded as having decent potential at the plate, perhaps comparable to Mariners' third baseman Kyle Seager.{{cite web|last=Barr|first=Michael|title=Third base help on the way: Cody Asche|url=http://www.fangraphs.com/fantasy/third-base-help-on-the-way-cody-asche/|work=FanGraphs Fantasy Baseball|publisher=FanGraphs|access-date=March 2, 2014|date=July 30, 2013|archive-date=February 27, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227005323/http://www.fangraphs.com/fantasy/third-base-help-on-the-way-cody-asche/|url-status=live}} While he hit for power in the minor leagues, his big league power was expected to be adequate, perhaps averaging 12–14 home runs per season. Baseball Prospect Nation reported that he "gets pull happy when he sells out for power and ultimately swings too hard at times."{{cite web|last=Anderson|first=Mark|title=Scouting Report: Cody Asche (3B)|url=http://baseballprospectnation.com/2012/09/28/scouting-report-cody-asche-3b/|work=Baseball Prospect Nation|publisher=Baseball Prospect Nation|access-date=March 2, 2014|date=September 28, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502141706/http://baseballprospectnation.com/2012/09/28/scouting-report-cody-asche-3b/|archive-date=May 2, 2013|url-status=dead}} Like most left-handed hitters,{{cite web|last=Walsh|first=John|title=The advantage of batting left-handed|url=http://www.hardballtimes.com/the-advantage-of-batting-left-handed/|work=The Hardball Times|access-date=March 2, 2014|date=November 15, 2007|archive-date=March 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306081248/http://www.hardballtimes.com/the-advantage-of-batting-left-handed/|url-status=live}} Asche performed better against right-handed pitchers than left-handed pitchers, hitting .238 off the former and .219 off the latter in the major leagues during 2013.{{cite web|title=Cody Asche Stats, Splits|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/splits/_/id/32637/cody-asche|work=Philadelphia Phillies – ESPN|publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures|access-date=March 2, 2014|archive-date=May 24, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140524232045/http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/splits/_/id/32637/cody-asche|url-status=live}} FanGraphs columnist Michael Barr summarized Asche's offensive potential by writing, "He's certainly not going to be a world beater, but having double digit home run and speed potential while hitting something in the .275 range is likely the kind of hitter than many of you could use at third base."

=Fielding=

Though as a minor league prospect, analysts derided his defensive potential, with one calling him "terrible", he progressively improved. Late in 2013, Sandberg commented on his defensive improvement: "I see tremendous progress on his footwork out there, his reads on balls, his quickness, his reacting to the hops and getting the hop he wants. It looks like he's really worked on his glove play, just using the glove along with his strong accurate arm. It's a very true ball that he throws over there. It's got a lot on it. I've seen a lot of improving developments since I saw him in mid-February. He's come a long way."{{cite web|last=Zolecki|first=Todd|title=Asche impressing with his work on defense|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130822&content_id=57967402¬ebook_id=57889594&vkey=notebook_phi&c_id=phi|work=phillies.com: News|publisher=MLB Advanced Media|access-date=August 23, 2013|date=August 23, 2013|archive-date=August 24, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130824231526/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130822&content_id=57967402¬ebook_id=57889594&vkey=notebook_phi&c_id=phi|url-status=live}}

=Playing style=

{{quote box|align=right|width=30%|"Cody has many positives: Natural athletic ability, great hands, good arm, good instincts, and great fundamentals as a hitter. What he lacks, from my perspective at this point, is confidence, experience and tenacity. With experience the other two should follow."|Hall of Fame third baseman Mike Schmidt, a former member of the Phillies, in an article in Phillies magazine, August 2014{{cite journal|last=Hagen|first=Paul|title=Learning the Ropes (and Hitting Some)|journal=Phillies Magazine|volume=2014|issue=5|pages=28–32|editor1-first=Bonnie|editor1-last=Clark|publisher=Philadelphia Phillies|location=Philadelphia, Pennsylvania}}}}

Former Phillies' bench coach Larry Bowa said, "(Asche) reminds me of a younger Chase Utley, he gets real mad when he misses a ball, he wants to make every play, he wants to go out and work, you can't hit enough groundballs to him ... he's got a great attitude ... that kind of energy can invigorate a ball club."{{cite interview| title=Bowa comes full circle in fourth act with Phillies| url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/phi/larry-bowa-comes-full-circle-in-fourth-act-with-phillies?ymd=20140217&content_id=67866358&vkey=news_phi| publisher=MLB Advanced Media| last=Bowa| first=Larry| subject-link=Larry Bowa| work=Wheelhouse, a weekly feature on phillies.com| interviewer=Chris Wheeler| date=February 17, 2014| access-date=February 18, 2014| archive-date=February 22, 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222004824/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/phi/larry-bowa-comes-full-circle-in-fourth-act-with-phillies?ymd=20140217&content_id=67866358&vkey=news_phi| url-status=live}} Marcus Hayes, a writer for the Philadelphia Daily News concurred with Bowa's comparison of Asche to Utley, calling their similarities "eerie", and writing, "Already, Asche's solution to failure is to ignore fatigue; to work harder; to improve at all costs. His objective is not necessarily to hit home runs, or to hit a big payday, but, rather, to make sure he can beat out a ground ball in late September. Sound familiar?"{{cite news|last=Hayes|first=Marcus|title=Eventually, Asche should be a leader for Phillies|url=http://articles.philly.com/2014-02-06/sports/47053380_1_cody-asche-pat-burrell-ryan-howard|access-date=March 2, 2014|newspaper=Philadelphia Daily News|date=February 6, 2014|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303222133/http://articles.philly.com/2014-02-06/sports/47053380_1_cody-asche-pat-burrell-ryan-howard|url-status=dead}} Sal Rende, the hitting coach for the Phillies' AAA affiliate, noted that Asche also has solid intangibles, including makeup and work ethic, garnering yet another comparison to Utley. For his part, Asche said that while he appreciates the comparison, he wants to be his own player.{{cite news|last=Brookover|first=Bob|title=IronPigs' Asche has some Utley in him|url=http://articles.philly.com/2013-05-27/sports/39540241_1_cody-asche-spring-training-sal-rende|access-date=March 2, 2014|newspaper=The Philadelphia Inquirer|date=May 27, 2013|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304084522/http://articles.philly.com/2013-05-27/sports/39540241_1_cody-asche-spring-training-sal-rende|url-status=dead}} Asche's determination and work ethic contributed to his fast ascent through the Phillies minor league system.{{cite news|last=Schuler|first=Jeff|title=Cody Asche trying to make Phillies rethink things|url=https://www.mcall.com/2013/03/25/cody-asche-trying-to-make-phillies-rethink-things/|access-date=March 2, 2014|newspaper=The Morning Call|date=March 25, 2013|location=Allentown, Pennsylvania|archive-date=March 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302232928/http://articles.mcall.com/2013-03-25/sports/mc-ironpigs-spring-asche-0325-20130325_1_cody-asche-league-camp-minor-league|url-status=live}} He is a perfectionist, who recalled a game in which he made three fielding errors as his most memorable game with the big league Phillies.

Personal life

Asche is married to Angela Albers, whom he presumably met in college at Nebraska.{{cite web|last1=Klose|first1=Frank|title=Sorry, ladies: Phillies third baseman Cody Asche got married this weekend|url=http://www.philliedelphia.com/2015/01/sorry-ladies-phillies-third-baseman-cody-asche-got-married-this-weekend.html|website=Philliedelphia|access-date=February 22, 2015|date=January 13, 2015|archive-date=February 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150222151938/http://www.philliedelphia.com/2015/01/sorry-ladies-phillies-third-baseman-cody-asche-got-married-this-weekend.html|url-status=live}} He is a fan of football and an ardent supporter of the Nebraska Cornhuskers; he routinely drives six hours to attend their home football games. He also "appreciates the speed and violence of hockey"; conversely, he does not like basketball. During the offseason, he resides in O'Fallon, Missouri, which is barely over {{convert|10|mi}} from his birthplace of St. Charles, Missouri.{{cite book|title=2013 Philadelphia Phillies Media Guide|publisher=The Phillies|location=Philadelphia, Pennsylvania|page=43|editor=Clark, Bonnie|date=February 2013}} According to his MLB.com biography, his hobbies include golfing, fishing, and completing crossword puzzles.{{cite web|title=Phillies.com: Cody Asche|url=http://mbeta.phillies.mlb.com/player/bio/605125/cody-asche|publisher=MLB Advanced Media|work=phillies.com|access-date=March 22, 2014|archive-date=March 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140322225629/http://mbeta.phillies.mlb.com/player/bio/605125/cody-asche|url-status=live}} In an interview, Asche said his favorite television show was Parks and Recreation, and his favorite food was chicken parmesan. He is close to his family, and noted that he started playing baseball around age five or six, with his first experience being playing in the back yard with his father and brother. When he was first called up to the major leagues, he noted, "Emotions were crazy. Trying to hold back tears seeing your parents in the stands for the first time was tough, then playing on top of that made it a little crazy to start. But that is all part of it. I think the phone call I got to make to my parents the day I was called up was the most memorable part ..."{{cite web|last=Huddleston|first=Matt|title=Q and A with Cody Asche|url=http://nofavoriteteam.mlblogs.com/2014/03/01/q-and-a-with-cody-asche/|work=The Unbiased MLB Fan – MLBlogs Network|publisher=MLB Advanced Media|access-date=March 23, 2014|date=March 1, 2014|archive-date=March 23, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140323224619/http://nofavoriteteam.mlblogs.com/2014/03/01/q-and-a-with-cody-asche/|url-status=live}}