Orioles adding Fredi González to coaching staff

The Orioles are nearing completion of the hiring process for their coaching staff, another item to cross off a long list of activities.

Former Marlins and Braves manager Fredi González has been chosen as major league coach, according to a source. González inherits the title that belonged to José Hernández, who shifts to assistant hitting coach, per the source.

Two of the three vacancies on the staff have been filled, including Anthony Sanders' hiring as first base coach. Sanders replaces Arnie Beyeler, who wasn't invited back in 2020.

Hernández replaces Howie Clark, who wasn't invited back as assistant hitting coach. Hernández moved up to the major league staff last season after spending six seasons as field coach at Triple-A Norfolk.

González, 55, has ties to manager Brandon Hyde based on his tenure with the Marlins from 2007-2010. Hyde was a minor league manager in the system and earned a promotion as Marlins interim bench coach on June 23, 2010 after González was fired.

González managed the Braves from 2011-16 and served as Marlins third base coach from 2017-19. He informed the team in October that he wanted to explore other options.

He found one with the Orioles.

The Braves reached the playoffs twice under González, a former catcher who's also served as an instructor at the position to further endear himself to Hyde and major league field coordinator and catching instructor Tim Cossins.

Executive vice president/general manager Mike Elias stated early in the offseason that some of the returning coaches could change titles and roles. The Hernández move is an example.

Meanwhile, Doug Brocail remains pitching coach, Don Long hitting coach and José Flores third base coach. Minor league pitching coordinator Chris Holt was promoted to the newly created position of director of pitching.

None of the new hires have been announced by the team, which is waiting until the entire staff is set to make it public.

Interviews are being held again this week for bullpen coach and are expected to continue next week at the Winter Meetings in San Diego. A replacement is needed for John Wasdin, who lasted one season on the job after serving as minor league pitching coordinator.

The Orioles are ahead of last year's pace, when they still hadn't hired a manager.

The Baltimore Sun was first to report the González hiring.