FORMER WILD THING GRANT FINK ADDED TO CLEVELAND GUARDIANS STAFF

CLEVELAND, OH - The Cleveland Guardians announced their 2025 coaching staff on Wednesday, which will include a former Frontier Leaguer.

Grant Fink, who played for the Washington Wild Things in 2016, was named as the new hitting coordinator for Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt. Fink replaces Chris Valakia, who headed southwest to join the Cincinnati Reds as their Director of Hitting. 

Fink spent one year in Washington as a utility player, appearing in 63 games. During his final professional season, he hit nine home runs and drove in 24 runs. 

In 2017, Fink joined the Guardians organization as a minor league hitting coach. He was then promoted to hitting coordinator in 2021 and has since been noted in having a significant part in helping minor leaguers transition to the big leagues. 

According to MLB.com, Fink was one of a few internal candidates considered for the role on the Major League club. No outside candidates were interviewed.

Fink is the second former Frontier Leaguer announced as part of a Major League staff so far this offseason. David Popkins, another former Wild Thing, was added as the hitting coach for the Toronto Blue Jays staff late last month.