| David Popkins | |
| Team: | Minnesota Twins |
| Number: | 79 |
| Position: | Coach |
| Birth Date: | November 16, 1989 |
| Birth Place: | San Diego, California |
| Bats: | Switch |
| Throws: | Right |
David Joseph Popkins (born November 16, 1989) is an American professional baseball coach for the Minnesota Twins of Major League Baseball (MLB).
Popkins graduated from St. Augustine High School in San Diego, California where he was named first team Eastern League in 2007 and 2008. He was also the Eastern league player of the year in 2008. Popkins graduated from the University of California, Davis, where he played college baseball for the UC Davis Aggies. He was named All Big West First Team for two years. After going undrafted out of college, Popkins signed with the St. Louis Cardinals, and made the post season all star team in High–A in the Florida State league for the Palm Beach Cardinals in 2013. He reached Double–A in 2014.[1] He played in independent league baseball with the Washington Wild Things, hitting 35 home runs over two seasons. He retired as an active player in 2017.[2]
On March 16, 2019, Popkins signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, he did not appear in any games for the organization and elected free agency following the season on November 4.[3]
In 2019, the Dodgers named Popkins as a hitting coach for the Arizona Dodgers of the Arizona League.[4] In 2021, he coached for the Great Lakes Loons.[5]
On November 8, 2021, the Minnesota Twins hired Popkins to be their hitting coach.[2] [6]