Director of Hitting Development

MLB•Houston, TX

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Houston Astros are seeking a Director of Hitting Development to develop and oversee our minor league hitting philosophy and integrates with ML Hitting development. This role involves working with the Director of Player Development to oversee a top-down hitting development philosophy and program that aligns with ML values. The position also requires leveraging R&D and Performance Science information to improve hitter performance, providing input to the Front Office on roster projections, and integrating with 40 Man Hitting development. Collaboration with ML staff to manage the transition between AAA and ML call-ups/send-downs is crucial. The role emphasizes creating a culture of proactive, job-specific feedback for staff development, providing professional growth opportunities, and regularly visiting minor league locations to reinforce core principles. Assisting staff with daily responsibilities during affiliate trips, collaborating with Sports Medicine & Performance on physical limitations/opportunities, and aiding in the onboarding of new players are key aspects. Leading coaches in setting and executing player goal plans, providing input on player acquisition, and monitoring player progress are also essential functions. The Director will contribute feedback to R&D for developing new tools and methods for displaying information effectively, stay current with player development concepts, and at times, provide programming for special project players. Partnering with the Player Development Director on hiring, onboarding, future staffing, planning, and budgeting is also part of the role.

Requirements

Experience coaching and developing hitters at scale
Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools
Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
Ability to understand and advocate for changes due to new information and or tools in baseball.

Nice To Haves

Fluency in Spanish is a plus
Professional or collegiate playing experience is a plus

Responsibilities

Work with Director of Player Development to oversee a top-down hitting development philosophy and program that aligns with ML values.
Work with R&D and Performance Science to leverage all information available to improve hitter performance.
Provide input to Front Office about roster projections and promotions.
Integrate with 40 Man Hitting development.
Work with ML staff to oversee the bridge between AAA and ML call ups and send downs.
Create a culture of proactive, job-specific feedback for staff development to encourage open dialogue and open communication.
Provide professional growth opportunities to staff members to promote internal growth.
Regularly rove to all minor league locations to reinforce core principles/processes.
Assist staff with daily responsibilities during affiliate trips.
Collaborate with other disciplines within Sports Medicine & Performance to identify and act on solutions related to physical limitations/opportunities.
Assist in onboarding new players into the organization, partnering with our Scouting departments.
Lead coaches in the identification, setting, and execution of players specific goal plans.
Provide input on the player acquisition process.
Monitor player progress, provide constructive feedback, and suggest changes on a routine basis.
Contribute constructive feedback and collaboration to R&D that promote development of new tools and ways to effectively display information to help player development.
Stay current with player development concepts/theories in the public space, seeing what the best private facilities/coaches are doing, and evaluate online certification courses.
At times, provide programming for select players deemed as special projects.
Partner with the Player Development Director in the hiring and on boarding of new staff.
Partner with Player Development Director on future staffing, planning, and budgeting.
Perform other duties as assigned.