Chicago Cubs Fire Hitting Coach Chili Davis
By James Neveau
Published Oct 11, 2018 at 6:28 PM | Updated at 6:37 PM CDT on Oct 11, 2018
MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Chili Davis poses during Photo Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Chili Davis
After struggling offensively in the final month of the regular season, the Chicago Cubs have fired hitting coach Chili Davis.
Davis, who served in the role for one season with the Cubs, oversaw the offense's transition from one of the league's best and into one of baseball's most inconsistent, as the team couldn't score enough runs to go on a prolonged playoff run.
The Cubs scored one or fewer runs in a staggering 40 games last season.
As part of a staff shakeup after the 2017 postseason, Davis was hired and long-time hitting coach John Mallee was let go by the organization.
Report: Rumors of $200 Million Bryant Offer 'Not True'
Several Cubs players, including Willson Contreras and Kris Bryant, saw regression under Davis' tutelage over the last season, but others, including Javier Baez, took big steps forward.
As a team, the Cubs had the best batting average in the National League, hitting .258 this season, but their slugging percentage dropped by 27 points and a staggering 56 fewer home runs in the 2018 campaign.
Their 167 home runs were the worst of any of the five National League playoff teams, and they trailed the league-leading Dodgers by a whopping 68 home runs.
Kris Bryant Turns Down $200 Million Contract: Reports
We'll have more on this breaking story as it develops.
Get the latest from NBC Chicago anywhere, anytime
Follow NBC Chicago