The Pittsburgh Pirates today hired David Eckstein as a Special Assistant, Baseball Operations. The announcement was made by Executive Vice President, General Manager Neal Huntington. 
"David Eckstein brings intelligence, intensity and a unique drive and energy to the Pirates organization," said Huntington. "David's strengths will be an asset for our Major League team and player development system as a teacher and mentor. We are elated to add a quality person with an extensive playing background to our organization."
 Eckstein has served as a guest infield instructor during spring training for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim from 2012-15 and again from 2017-18. Eckstein also worked with Tony La Russa and the Arizona Diamondbacks Baseball Operations staff during spring training in 2016. 
Eckstein also worked in various capacities for USA Baseball's 18U National team from 2012-16. In 2015, he worked as a first base coach, hitting instructor and infield instructor for the 18U National team that captured the Baseball World Cup. 
Eckstein, who is the younger brother of Pirates hitting coach Rick Eckstein, played in the big leagues for 10 seasons from 2001-10 with Anaheim (2001-04), St. Louis (2005-07), Toronto (2008), Arizona (2008) and San Diego (2009-10). The two-time All-Star (2005 and 2006) and two-time World Series champion (2002 with Anaheim and 2006 with St. Louis) was also named the MVP of the 2006 World Series where he hit .364 as St. Louis beat Detroit in five games.