After the 2017 season, the Chicago Cubs parted ways with hitting coach John Mallee, which was a bizarre move considering the team had just appeared in three consecutive National League Championship Series' with several players coming into their own offensively. Mallee proceeded to coach with the Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Angels before the Cubs brought him back in 2023, when he was the hitting coach with the Iowa Cubs.
Now, after a great showing at Triple-A, the Cubs are once again adding Mallee to their major league coaching staff under manager David Ross. The Athletic's Patrick Mooney first broke the news on Wednesday.
Mallee's exact position on the coaching staff has not been determined at this point. Back in October, the Cubs moved on from a pair of coaches, letting go of game strategy coach Craig Driver and bullpen coach Chris Young.
According to Mooney, Mallee isn't necessarily replacing anyone under Ross.
The idea is to incorporate Mallee’s experience and expertise rather than replace a staff member, according to league sources, as the Cubs try to get back to the playoffs.
Mallee drew rave reviews from his colleagues this year for his work preparing hitters for the next level. Christopher Morel did not make the Opening Day roster, but he still wound up hitting 26 home runs for the Cubs. Mallee already has relationships with prospects such as Pete Crow-Armstrong and Alexander Canario.
Dustin Stone, who was promoted to be the Cubs hitting coach after the 2022 season, will remain the lead hitting coach in 2024, but now the coaching room will have Mallee's voice as well.
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