The Cleveland Guardians have been very busy in the international free agent market, bringing in several potentially impactful prospects to replenish their farm.
However, there has also been time for them to complete their coaching staff.
They are bringing in an assistant hitting coach to help at the MLB level, after an impressive career in the minors with other organizations.
“We are excited to announce today the hiring of Dan Puente as Major League Assistant Hitting Coach to complete Manager Stephen Vogt’s coaching staff. Welcome to The Land, Dan!” the Guardians tweeted.
We are excited to announce today the hiring of Dan Puente as Major League Assistant Hitting Coach to complete Manager Stephen Vogt’s coaching staff.
Welcome to The Land, Dan!#ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/lUN2S6vgeU
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) January 15, 2024
Puente had been recently promoted to be the Chicago Cubs’ minor league hitting coordinator.
However, the Guardians are offering him a chance to be in the major leagues, and it’s hard to turn that down.
The Guards had lost an assistant hitting coach in recent weeks, as Victor Rodriguez signed with the San Diego Padres to be their hitting coach.
Puente has plenty of experience, and most recently worked as the hitting coach for the High-A South Bend Cubs for the past two years.
He was the hitting coach for the Low-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans in 2021.
He has also worked with the Chicago White Sox, the Houston Astros, and at Elite Baseball Training, in a variety of roles.
Puente is now joining Craig Albernaz, Kai Correa, Rouglas Odor, Brad Goldberg, and Josh Tubbs as newcomers on Cleveland’s coaching staff.
Albernaz will be the bench coach, while Correa will function as the major league field coordinator.
Odor will be the third base coach, and Goldberg will be a bullpen coach.
Tubbs will be a hitting analyst.
Stephen Vogt is the new manager, and Chris Valaika is retaining his role as hitting coach.
Carl Willis will have the pitching coach position, and Joe Torres will assist him.
Sandy Alomar Jr. will be the first base coach.
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