Joe Ayrault Earns Promotion to Brewers’ Field Coordinator After Resilient Run with Shuckers
Joe Ayrault has spent the better part of two decades shaping the future of the Milwaukee Brewers organization from the dugout. Now, after a remarkable stretch leading the Double-A Biloxi Shuckers - and a career that’s touched nearly every corner of the Brewers’ farm system - Ayrault is stepping into a new chapter. The Brewers announced that Ayrault has been promoted to the role of Field Coordinator ahead of the 2026 season.
It’s a well-earned move for a baseball lifer who’s been a steady hand through the highs and lows of player development. Since 2010, Ayrault has managed across five different affiliates in the Brewers’ system - from Helena to Brevard County, Carolina, Wisconsin, and most recently Biloxi. Along the way, he’s helped mold a generation of Brewers talent, many of whom now wear the big-league uniform in Milwaukee.
But it was Ayrault’s tenure with Biloxi over the last two seasons that truly underscored his leadership.
A Tumultuous 2024, a Triumphant Return in 2025
The 2024 season tested the Shuckers in ways few could’ve predicted. A freak injury to 2023 first-round pick Brock Wilken and the promotion of several top arms - including standout Jacob Misiorowski - left the roster in flux. The team stumbled out of the gate, finishing at the bottom of the Southern League South Division in the first half.
But then came the turnaround.
The Shuckers caught fire in the second half, clawing their way into the postseason behind a gritty, resilient clubhouse. That resilience, according to those around the team, stemmed from Ayrault’s leadership and his now-signature mantra: “Be a Buffalo.” The phrase, as explained by broadcaster Javik Blake, means facing adversity head-on - charging into the storm rather than running from it.
That mindset was put to the ultimate test in June 2024, when Ayrault was diagnosed with colon cancer and had to step away from the team. Even in his absence, the Shuckers leaned on his ethos.
They didn’t fold. They fought.
Ayrault, too, fought - and won. By the time the 2025 season rolled around, he was back in the dugout, healthy and leading the charge.
The result? One of the most successful seasons in franchise history.
A New Chapter: Field Coordinator
Now, Ayrault’s journey continues in a new role - one that shifts him from the dugout to a broader organizational impact. As the Brewers’ new Field Coordinator, he’ll be tasked with aligning the philosophies and player development strategies across all minor league affiliates. It’s a behind-the-scenes role, but a critical one, ensuring that from Low-A to Triple-A, the Brewers are developing talent with a unified vision.
And who better to take on that responsibility than someone who’s lived and breathed the Brewers’ system for 16 seasons?
Ayrault’s promotion is part of a larger reshuffling of the Brewers’ player development staff heading into 2026.
Familiar Faces in New Roles
Mike Guerrero, a familiar face in Biloxi, will return as the Shuckers’ manager. Guerrero previously led the club for eight seasons and brings with him nearly three decades of managerial experience in the minors.
At the Low-A level, the Brewers’ newest affiliate - the Wilson Warbirds - will be managed by Eddy Morgan, who’s spent the last 12 seasons at the helm of Concordia University Wisconsin’s baseball program. He brings a fresh perspective and a strong track record in player development.
Former Brewers reliever Tyler Thornburg is also stepping into a new role, joining the Triple-A Nashville Sounds as their pitching coach. Thornburg, who pitched in the majors for Milwaukee and several other teams, now returns to the organization in a developmental capacity.
In addition, two longtime coaches - Julio Borbón and Al LeBoeuf - have been reassigned to special advisor roles within the player development department, where their experience will continue to guide the next wave of talent.
The Bottom Line
Joe Ayrault’s promotion is more than just a new title. It’s a recognition of years of quiet excellence - of building players, shaping culture, and leading with integrity. The Brewers are betting that his influence can now ripple across the entire organization, not just one clubhouse.
And if his track record is any indication, that’s a bet worth making.