The role of quality assurance coach is a relatively new one in Major League Baseball. The Cubs have had a man serve in this role only since 2015. Henry Blanco (2015-17), Chris Denorfia (2019) and the current QA coach, Mike Napoli (who’s held the job since last year), are the men who have filled this role with the team.
Just what does such a coach do?
It’s a data-driven role, and Brittany Ghiroli and Eno Sarris of The Athletic put together this article explaining exactly what the QA coach (or “quality control” coach, as some teams title the role) does.