CLEVELAND — Following the Cleveland Guardians' thrilling run to the American League Championship Series, the team has announced several promotions within the coaching staff.
The following promotions were announced on Wednesday afternoon:
- Craig Albernaz to Associate Manager
- Kai Correa to ML Field Coordinator/Director of Defense, Baserunning and Game Strategy
- Grant Fink to Major League Hitting Coach
- Jason Esposito to Major League Assistant Hitting Coach
- Hasani Torres to Head Major League Strength and Conditioning Coach
- Joe Kessler to Senior Coordinator, Strength and Conditioning, Integration and Development
Albernaz joined the Guardians coaching staff prior to the 2024 season and served as the bench coach under first-year manager Stephen Vogt. Albernaz interviewed for the Miami Marlins' vacant manager role before withdrawing his name from the running.
Grant Fink takes over as the Guardians hitting coach replacing Chris Valaika, who had been with the organization since his hire in December of 2021. Fink spent the last three seasons as the Guardians' Minor League hitting coordinator, responsible for the development of position players within the organization. Fink began his coaching career with the team in 2017 following a three-year playing career after Cleveland selected him in the 23rd round of the 2013 MLB Draft.
The Guardians also announced the return of the following coaches to their current roles for the 2025 season:
- Sandy Alomar Jr. - First Base/Catching Coach
- Carl Willis - Pitching Coach
- Joe Torres - Assistant Pitching Coach
- Brad Goldberg - Bullpen Coach
- Rouglas Odor - Infield/Third Base Coach
- JT Maguire - Outfield Coach
- Josh Tubbs - Hitting Analyst
- Ricky Pacione/Eric Rodriguez - Bullpen Catchers