Robinson Cancel is stepping into a new chapter with the Hartford Yard Goats, becoming the sixth manager in franchise history. At 49, Cancel brings nearly a decade of experience within the Rockies' organization, and his track record suggests Hartford is getting a leader who knows how to win-and how to develop talent along the way.
Cancel takes over from Bobby Meacham, who led the Yard Goats through the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Now, it’s Cancel’s turn to steer the ship, and he’s not coming in cold. Over the past three seasons, he managed High-A Spokane and capped that run with a Northwest League championship in 2024-a clear sign that he knows how to maximize a roster’s potential when it matters most.
“We are delighted to welcome Robinson to Hartford and our Yard Goats family,” said Yard Goats general manager Mike Abramson. “Robinson has an excellent track record of winning and development, and we are excited to watch him and his coaches guide our club in 2026.”
That combination of winning and player development is exactly what organizations crave at the Double-A level. Cancel’s time in Spokane wasn’t just about racking up wins-it was about preparing young players for the next jump in their careers. And before Spokane, he did the same in Single-A with the Fresno Grizzlies, leading them to consecutive playoff appearances in 2021 and 2022.
Cancel’s managerial resume stretches back even further. Before joining the Rockies' system in 2017, he managed in the Braves’ organization, including stints with the Gulf Coast League Braves in 2015 and Rookie-level Danville in 2016. That’s a full decade of grooming prospects across multiple levels-exactly the kind of experience that can make a difference in a league where development is king.
As a player, Cancel was a catcher-a position that often lends itself to strong managerial instincts. He was drafted by the Brewers in 1994 and reached the majors with them in 1999.
He later returned to The Show with the Mets in 2008 and 2009, and finally with the Astros in 2011. That journey, spanning over a decade and multiple organizations, gives him a unique perspective on what it takes to grind through the minors and break through.
Born in Lajas, Puerto Rico, Cancel has lived the full baseball life-from prospect to big leaguer to dugout leader. Now, as he takes the reins in Hartford, the Yard Goats are banking on that experience to help shape the next wave of Rockies talent. And if his recent success is any indication, Hartford fans might have something special to look forward to in 2026.