Guardians Promote Grant Fink to Hitting Coach
Among a slew of staff moves, Grant Fink takes the mantle as the newest hitting coach
Early Wednesday afternoon, it was reported that the Guardians had finally filled their hitting coach vacancy, promoting Grant Fink to fill the spot previously held by Chris Valaika.
#Guardians news:
— Nick Camino (@NickCaminoWKYC) November 13, 2024
The club promoted Craig Albernaz to associate manager.
The club also promoted Kai Correa to ML Field Coordinator/Director of Defense, Baserunning and Game Strategy.
Grant Fink hired as the new Major League Hitting Coach.
Fink played college ball at Missouri Western State and was a 23rd round pick of Cleveland in 2013 and spent the majority of his professional playing days in Lake County before being released in the Spring of 2016. Fink was brought on as a coach in 2017. From there, he became the hitting coach for the Captains and had spent the last three seasons as the Guardians’ minor league hitting coordinator.
Fink is also a renowned Swiftie:
I can't stop listening to T Swift Blank Space.
— Grant Fink (@gfink33) November 21, 2014
Fink’s rise up the chain in Cleveland is impressive, and it mirrors Cleveland’s overall shift in draft and developmental approach with position players. Fink was promoted the same season the Guardians used their first round pick on Chase DeLauter, and from there, players like Jaison Chourio, Ralphy Velazquez, Welbyn Francisca, CJ Kayfus, Juan Brito, and Travis Bazzana have all been brought in to reflect this shift in approach from contact bats who could develop power to the more modern day MLB approach that thrives on walks, less chase, and power.
Alongside Fink, Jason Esposito was promoted to assistant Major League hitting coach.
Other moves were also made today:
Guardians coaching staff updates:
— Mandy Bell (@MandyBell02) November 13, 2024
-Grant Fink will be the hitting coach. He was Cleveland’s Minor League hitting coordinator the last three seasons.
-Carl Willis is back as pitching coach.
-Craig Albernaz promoted to assistant manager
The biggest note here is the move that didn’t happen. Carl Willis will return for another season as Cleveland’s pitching coach, a massive win for the 2025 season.
Kai Correa’s return to Cleveland has seemed to be a fruitful one. Previously just the fielding coordinator, Correa will take on more responsibility as the Director of Defense, Base Running, and Game Strategy.
Lastly, is Craig Albernaz’s promotion to assistant manager. Albernaz is widely viewed as a major league manager-in-waiting, so he takes a step closer to that here.
There are also reportedly more moves to come, so we will be sure to keep it up to date as the offseason rolls along!