Padres to hire Brdar as hitting coach (source)

SAN DIEGO -- Bob Melvin’s coaching staff in San Diego is slowly coming into focus.

The Padres plan to hire Michael Brdar as their hitting coach, a source said Monday. Brdar, 27, had spent two seasons as the hitting coordinator for the Giants.

San Diego has not yet confirmed the hiring.

Brdar will join a coaching staff that already consists of pitching coach Ruben Niebla and bullpen coach Ben Fritz. Ryan Flaherty is also expected to remain on staff.

Prior to his tenure in San Francisco, Brdar spent time as a coach at the University of Michigan, where he also played. (Brdar’s career there did not overlap with Padres infielder Jake Cronenworth.)

Brdar was part of manager Gabe Kapler’s staff in San Francisco as the Giants, somewhat stunningly, had one of the best offenses in baseball in 2021. Their 108 collective wRC+ led the National League.

Brdar will replace Damion Easley, who had served as the Padres' hitting coach for two years. Easley will not be retained by the organization, a source said.

The Padres have yet to name a bench coach, a first-base coach and a third-base coach. Melvin's staff is expected to be finalized before the end of the month.