The Cubs dipped into their past Monday by hiring Rangers hitting coach Anthony Iapoce to take over the same position.
Iapoce, 45, served as a special assistant to the general manager with the Cubs from 2013 to 2015 before he was hired by the Rangers. Iapoce worked with Kris Bryant, Javier Baez, Albert Almora Jr., Willson Contreras and Ian Happ in the minors as part of his duties with the Cubs.
Iapoce has worked with former Cubs hitting coach John Mallee in the Marlins organization and at baseball camps.
The Rangers ranked fifth in the American League in runs and fourth in home runs during Iapoce's three seasons (2016-18). The 2017 Rangers became the first team in major-league history to have nine players hit at least 17 homers in a season.
Iapoce's status with the Rangers was uncertain because they're currently looking to hire a new manager. Cubs bench coach Brandon Hyde interviewed for the position last week and also interviewed with the Angels.
Iapoce worked as the roving hitting coordinator for the Blue Jays (2010-12) and was the hitting coach for the Marlins' Class A Jupiter affiliate from 2008-09.
Iapoce played 11 seasons in the Brewers and Marlins organization, reached the Triple-A level four times and posted a career .273 batting average with a .342 on-base percentage in 845 professional games.
Iapoce replaces Chili Davis, who was fired after one season.
