CHICAGO, IL – The Chicago Cubs have officially announced their major league coaching staff for the 2024 season, led by manager Craig Counsell. The staff includes a mix of new faces and experienced coaches, aiming to bring a fresh dynamic to the team’s strategy and performance.
Ryan Flaherty, stepping in as the bench coach, joins the Cubs following a four-year tenure with the San Diego Padres. In 2023, he served as their bench coach and offensive coordinator. His journey with the Padres began in 2020 as a major league advance scout and development coach, later advancing to quality control coach in 2022. As a former infielder, Flaherty’s roots with the Cubs trace back to being their first-round pick (41st overall) in the 2008 First-Year Player Draft, and he boasts eight seasons of major league experience.
Willie Harris continues as the third base coach for his fourth season with the Cubs, marking his ninth year in coaching or managerial roles. Harris, who played 12 seasons in the major leagues with various teams, will also oversee the team’s outfielders.
Tommy Hottovy, the pitching coach, enters his sixth season in this role. He has been part of the Cubs’ major league pitching infrastructure for a decade, starting as an advance scout focused on run prevention. Hottovy, a former left-handed pitcher, made his major league debut with Boston in 2011.
Dustin Kelly, the hitting coach, is in his second year in this role after serving as the organization’s minor league hitting coordinator. Kelly, a former infielder drafted by Boston in 2004, has a background as a hitting coach in the Dodgers’ farm system.
Mike Napoli, entering his fifth season with the Cubs’ coaching staff, continues as the first base coach. Napoli, a veteran of 12 major league seasons with various teams, will also focus on team baserunning.
Darren Holmes joins the Cubs as the bullpen coach. His experience includes three years as Baltimore’s assistant pitching coach and a stint as the bullpen coach with Colorado. Holmes brings the perspective of a seasoned player, with 13 major league seasons under his belt.
Mark Strittmatter, the new major league field coordinator, comes from an 11-year tenure with the Rockies as a catching coordinator. His role will involve team scheduling and working with catchers. Strittmatter previously served as a major league coach for the Pirates and as the Rockies’ bullpen catcher.
Daniel Moskos, assistant pitching coach, enters his third season with the Cubs. A former first-round pick by the Pirates, Moskos made 31 relief appearances in 2011.
John Mallee takes on the role of assistant hitting coach. Mallee, with a rich 27-year coaching history in professional baseball, previously served as the Cubs’ major league hitting coach and had similar roles with the Phillies and the Angels.
Juan Cabreja continues as assistant hitting coach for his second year. With 21 years in the Cubs organization, Cabreja has held various coaching and managerial positions in their system.
Jim Adduci, assistant hitting coach for game planning, enters his second season in this role. Adduci, a former outfielder, has been part of the Cubs’ system and played in the major leagues with Texas and Detroit.
Jonathan Mota, a major league coach, is in his second season in this capacity. Mota, a former infielder in the Cubs’ minor league system, will focus on infielders and infield defense.
Alex Smith, major league coach for data development and process, enters his second year in this role. Smith joined the Cubs in 2015 and has a background in data and development, stemming from his time at Cornell University.
Garrett Lloyd, the bullpen catcher, is in his third season after serving as a development coach for Chicago in 2021. Lloyd has coaching experience in the Dodgers’ farm system and as a minor league video associate.
The Cubs’ coaching staff for 2024 reflects a strategic blend of experience and fresh perspectives, aiming to enhance the team’s performance in the upcoming season. With a mix of former players and seasoned coaches, the Cubs are positioned to leverage their expertise for on-field success.
