Anthony Iapoce won’t return as Cubs’ hitting coach next season

Anthony Iapoce won’t return as the Cubs’ hitting coach next season, a source confirmed to the Sun-Times on Tuesday. The Cubs haven’t officially announced the departure.

Iapoce has been the Cubs’ hitting coach since October 2018 after he was hired by then-manager Joe Maddon and stayed in the role when David Ross replaced Maddon after the 2019 season.

The Cubs’ offense has been a point of contention since 2017, and the significant changes in the roster this season affected the team’s performance. The Cubs finished the season ranked 24th in the majors with a .237 average.

Aside from Iapoce, who held the role for three seasons, there hasn’t been a lot of continuity among the Cubs’ hitting coaches. The Cubs have had three hitting coaches since winning the World Series in 2016: John Mallee, Chili Davis and Iapoce. They also have had four assistant hitting coaches during that span: Eric Hinske, Andy Haines, Terrmel Sledge and Chris Valaika, who was brought in before this season. No decision has been made on Valaika.

It’s unknown whether any other changes will be made on Ross’ staff. But with the Cubs looking to make improvements in different areas going into 2022, a few should be expected.

President Jed Hoyer will meet with the media Wednesday to discuss several topics, including the hitting coach.