Chris Valaika Joins Reds as Hitting Coach Under Terry Francona

Valaika leaves the Guardians to become the Reds' Director of Hitting, aiming to improve offensive strategies and reduce strikeouts.

Chris Valaika has been appointed as the Cincinnati Reds' new Director of Hitting and Major League hitting coach.
Valaika previously served as the hitting coach for the Cleveland Guardians, where he helped reduce the team's strikeout rates over three seasons.
The Reds aim to leverage Valaika's expertise to address their high strikeout rates, particularly focusing on improving the approach of key players like Elly De La Cruz.
Terry Francona, recently hired as the Reds' manager, selected Valaika as part of a strategic overhaul to enhance the team's offensive performance.
Valaika's role will include developing a cohesive hitting philosophy across the Reds' player development system, similar to the approach used for pitching.