CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Indians announced the addition of two major league coaches Friday as Justin Toole and Kyle Hudson earned promotions to manager Terry Francona’s staff.
Toole, who served as hitting coach for Double-A Akron last year, will work as a hitting analyst while Hudson, who was the bench coach for Triple-A Columbus in 2019, becomes a staff assistant. Both will travel full-time with the club.
Toole, 33, played seven seasons in the Indians’ farm system before serving as hitting coach at Mahoning Valley in 2016. He made stops at Lake County and Lynchburg before working with the Rubberducks last year. In his new role, Toole will “support the hitting coaches through an evidence-based approach,” according to the club. The Iowa native will also assist in the advance scouting process and player transitions between the minor and major Leagues.
Hudson, 33, appeared in 14 games for the Orioles in 2011 as part of an eight-year pro career. After coaching two seasons at the University of Illinois, Hudson became the bench coach in Lynchburg before assuming the same role at Lake County and Columbus. In his new role, Hudson will help with outfield defense instruction and positioning during games.
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