The Cincinnati Reds have appointed Chris Valaika as their Director of Hitting and Major League Hitting Coach. Valaika, 39, previously served as the hitting coach for the Cleveland Guardians from 2022 to 2024, working under manager Terry Francona. Before that, he was the assistant hitting coach for the Chicago Cubs in 2021. MLB Valaika's connection to the Reds dates back to his playing days; he was drafted by Cincinnati in the third round of the 2006 MLB Draft and played parts of the 2010 and 2011 seasons with the team https://www.cincinnatiredssportsshop.com/collections/art-warren-jersey. In his new role, Valaika will oversee hitting philosophies and strategies across all levels of the Reds' organization, ensuring a cohesive approach from the Minor Leagues to the Major Leagues. MLB Expressing enthusiasm about his return, Valaika stated, "The biggest thing personally is being able to come back to Cincinnati, somewhere that gave me an opportunity with the Draft and gave me the opportunity to play in the big leagues Dan Driessen Jersey." MLB Under his guidance, the Reds aim to reduce strikeouts and enhance line-drive contact, addressing areas identified by the team's management for improvement in the upcoming season.