The Cincinnati Reds have made significant additions to their coaching staff under new manager Terry Francona, bringing in several individuals with ties to rival organizations.
Notably, the Reds have hired Chris Valaika, formerly the hitting coach for the Cleveland Guardians, as their new director of hitting and major league hitting coach. Valaika, who played for the Reds from 2006 to 2012, had been with the Guardians since 2022.
Additionally, Brad Mills, a longtime associate of Francona, has joined the Reds as one of the team’s bench coaches. Mills has previously worked with Francona in Philadelphia, Boston, and Cleveland.
Furthermore, Mike Napoli, who spent the past five seasons on the Chicago Cubs’ coaching staff, is set to join the Reds in an unspecified capacity.
These strategic hires reflect the Reds’ commitment to building a coaching staff with a wealth of experience and strong connections to Francona’s managerial history.
