Chris Valaika, a hitting instructor, is hired by Terry Francona, the new Reds manager, from the Guardians.

Cleveland Guardians manager Terry Francona applauds during a tribute video before the team’s baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023, in Cleveland. Terry Francona has been hired to manage the Cincinnati Reds, returning to the major leagues a year after he stepped down in Cleveland because of health. A person familiar with the situation confirmed the move on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024 on condition of anonymity because the Reds had not announced the decision.(AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)(Sue Ogrocki | AP)

CINCINNATI (AP) — New Reds manager Terry Francona has hired hitting coach Chris Valaika away from the Cleveland Guardians, Cincinnati announced Friday.

The 39-year-old Valaika has been Cleveland’s hitting coach for three years, dating back to Francona’s time running the team.

The former infielder played in the majors with Cincinnati (2010-11), Miami (2013) and the Chicago Cubs (2014), appearing in 99 games across four seasons.

The native of Santa Clarita, California, joined the coaching ranks in 2017. Valaika spent five seasons coaching in the Cubs organization before moving to Cleveland under Francona.

The 65-year-old Francona was hired as the Reds manager earlier this month after David Bell was fired with five games left in his sixth season.