(Trenton, NJ) -- Your Trenton Thunder, presented by NJM Insurance Group, are pleased to announce the return of second-year manager Shawn Chacon ahead of the 2026 season. The 2006 Thunder alum returns for his fifth season overall coaching in Trenton. After serving as the pitching coach for his first three seasons, Chacon saw 10 of his players selected in the 2025 MLB Draft in his first season as Manager. Chacon surpassed the Thunder’s Draft League record for total number of pitchers selected in a single draft, having 8 of his pitchers go in July of 2025, which was also the most across the Draft League and the most for his coaching career in Trenton.
In the first half of 2025, the first-year manager compiled a record of 15-17 that included a team high 5-game winning streak from June 29 – July 4th, which then gave the Thunder a one game lead in the first-half championship race. In the second half Chacon led the Thunder to a 22-22 record finishing second in the standings while his team posted a +33-run differential which was only second to West Virginia who were the eventual Draft League Champions.
During his three prior seasons as pitching coach for the Thunder, Chacon helped produce 17 pitchers who earned MLB Draft selections. In 2025, Shawn saw 10 of his players selected in the draft (Miguel Sime Jr – Washington Nationals Rd 4, Pick 111. Micah Bucknam Rd 4, Pick 112. Joe Ariola – Arizona Diamondbacks Rd 7, Pick 213. Bryson Dudley – Kansas City Royals Rd 7, Pick 218. Matthew Hoskins – Kansas City Royals Rd 12, Pick 368. Noah Edders – Chicago Cubs Rd 15, Pick 451. Logan Dawson – Philadelphia Phillies Rd 16, Pick 491. Cooper McGrath – San Francisco Giants Rd 18, Pick 536. Nick Frusco – Pittsburgh Pirates Rd 20, Pick 593. Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek – New York Yankees Rd 20, Pick 614. ) and another seven signing with MLB organizations as free agents (Aaron Graeber – Los Angeles Angels, Ryland Zaborowski – Los Angeles Angels, Harry Genth – Minnesota Twins, Jarrett Bonet – Milwaukee Brewers, Tommy Case – Los Angeles Dodgers, Drew Christo – Atlanta Braves, and MT Morrissey – Philadelphia Phillies.)
“The Thunder are extremely lucky to have someone like Shawn Chacon leading our ball club on the field again this season,” said Thunder General Manager Jon Bodnar. “Seeing his connection with the players in our clubhouse and the fans who show up every game, we’re excited to see him thrive and continue to grow as manager of the Thunder.”
Chacon spent 8-years pitching at the Major League level for the Colorado Rockies, New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates, and the Houston Astros. Shawn finished his playing career with 922 innings pitched, totaling 619 strikeouts, and holding opponents to a .261 average against.
“I am super excited to be back as manager in Trenton for my second season,” said Chacon. “I look forward to using what I learned in my first year to help the team this summer and I am excited to learn even more about myself as a manager. I can’t wait to get the ball rolling.”
Your Trenton Thunder open the 2026 season on Tuesday, June 2 at 7:00 against the Aberdeen IronBirds! For full ticket pricing and information, partnership/sponsorship opportunities, and information about special events at Trenton Thunder Ballpark, please visit trentonthunder.com or call the radius180 Thunder Box Office at (609) 394-3300, opt 4.
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About Trenton Thunder
The Trenton Thunder welcomed their 11 Millionth fan during the 2025 season with 30 million people living within a 20-mile radius of the ballpark. Your Thunder have won the three major awards that Minor League Baseball teams can win; the Johnson Trophy for the “Nation’s Best Franchise”, the Larry MacPhail Trophy for Outstanding Club Promotion and the Bob Frietas Award for Long-Term Success (given by Baseball America). The team has given back over $9.8 million worth of goods, services, and monetary donations through the Grand Slam We Care Foundation.
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