Will The Guardians’ Coaching Staff Remain Intact With A New Manager?

When Cleveland eventually hires its new manager, changes to their coaching staff could be a possibility.

This offseason, the Cleveland Guardians have been seeking their replacement for Terry Francona.

However, in a recent article, The Athletic’s Zack Meisel discussed how a coaching staff evaluation should be part of Cleveland’s offseason when the managerial search is over.

“The club continues to interview its top contenders and march toward the finish line on a replacement for the winningest manager in franchise history. There’s also expected to be turnover at other positions on staff. That will need to be sorted out once the new manager is identified.”

Here is a look at some of the main coaches currently on Cleveland’s staff.

DeMarlo Hale, Bench Coach

Hale has been a Major League coach for 20 seasons with five different teams.

The 62-year-old has been Cleveland’s bench coach for the past three seasons.

Jul 24, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians bench coach DeMarlo Hale (30) stands in the dugout in the fifth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field / © David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Valaika, Hitting Coach

Valaika has been a Major League coach for just three seasons.

The 38-year-old has been the Guardians’ hitting coach for the past two seasons, leading Cleveland to team batting averages of .254 and .250, respectively.

Carl Willis, Pitching Coach

Willis has been with the Guardians’ organization for 20 seasons.

The 62-year-old was Cleveland’s pitching coach from 2003 through 2009 and re-assumed his current role in 2018.

Sandy Alomar, Jr., First Base Coach

The former All-Star Cleveland catcher has been a Guardians coach since 2010.

The 57-year-old was Cleveland’s first base coach for two years and bench coach for the next two seasons before re-assuming his current role in 2014.

Mike Sarbaugh, Third Base Coach

Sarbaugh has been with the Guardians’ organization since 1990.

After becoming Cleveland’s first base coach in 2013, the 56-year-old has been the team’s third base coach for the last 10 seasons.

While these coaches have strong Guardians connections, a new manager could also mean new coaches in Cleveland.