After a disappointing season, the Cincinnati Reds are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for improvement. The latest shake-up sees the departure of the team’s hitting coach trio. MLB.com’s Mark Sheldon reports that Joel McKeithan, Terry Bradshaw and Tim LaMonte have been fired with newly appointed manager Terry Francona spearheading the overhaul. As the Reds seek to reclaim relevance in the National League Central, Francona’s stamp on the organization is taking shape.
Some Reds news:
All three hitting coaches — Joel McKeithan, Terry Bradshaw and Tim LaMont have been fired.
RHP Julian Aguiar had TJ surgery and will be out for 2025.
— Mark Sheldon (@m_sheldon) October 8, 2024
In addition to the coaching shake-up, Reds right-hander Julian Aguiar suffered a significant setback. According to Sheldon, Aguiar underwent Tommy John surgery and will miss the entire 2025 season.
Reds Revamp Hitting Staff Under Terry Francona
Reds Hitting Coach Joel McKeithan will not return in 2025 per source.
Ahead of the 2022 season, Terry Francona interviewed Kevin Youkilis for the same position in Cleveland before going with Chris Valaika. The Cincinnati native could get another look.
— Charlie Clifford (@char_cliff) October 8, 2024
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Batting Average: .231 (15th in NL)
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On-Base Percentage (OBP): .305 (11th in NL)
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Slugging Percentage (SLG): .388 (12th in NL)
The Reds have scuffled offensively, ranking 9th-worst in MLB with a .240 batting average and 2,601 hits (9th-fewest) over the last two seasons.
Main Photo: © Kareem Elgazzar-Imagn Images