John Mallee

By Evan Drellich October 9, 2014

The hitting coach who helped the Astros claim the first batting champion in franchise history has left the organization.

John Mallee signed on as the hitting coach for the Chicago Cubs, opting to move closer to home after two years as the Astros’ lead hitting coach. Mallee, 45, was born in Chicago and attended Chicago State University and the University of Illinois.

The Astros granted the Cubs permission to speak to Mallee, whose contract was expiring, so they’ve had time to prepare for this possibility.

“John’s a very good hitting coach,” Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow said. “He did a nice job for us over the last two years. This was an opportunity for him to do what he loves to do in his hometown, and we didn’t want to prevent him from having that opportunity. But he will be missed, no question. He did a nice job here, and he helped a lot of our hitters.”

The Astros have already begun the process to interview candidates for all their vacant coaching positions; hitting coach is just one of six they’re weighing. Only pitching coach Brent Strom is a guarantee at this point, although third-base coach Pat Listach, bullpen coach Craig Bjornson and assistant hitting coach Ralph Dickenson all might return.

Dickenson, who just finished his first year on the Astros’ big league staff, will at least be considered for his current role as assistant hitting coach, if not the top job.

Jose Altuve and Chris Carter had breakout seasons in 2014 under Mallee and Dickenson. Altuve hit a major league-best .341, and Carter ripped 37 home runs.