In a significant shakeup following a challenging postseason, the Atlanta Braves have announced that hitting coach Kevin Seitzer, bench coach Walt Weiss, and first base coach Eric Young Sr. will not be returning to manager Brian Snitker’s staff for the 2025 season. The moves come as part of an organization-wide reassessment aimed at reinvigorating the team’s coaching strategy and aligning it with the franchise’s long-term objectives for player development and in-game success.
Kevin Seitzer has been an integral part of the Braves’ coaching staff since joining the organization in 2015. Under his guidance, the Braves transformed into one of MLB’s most potent offenses, consistently ranking near the top of the league in key statistical categories. During his tenure, Seitzer played a major role in the development of some of Atlanta’s most successful hitters, including All-Stars Ronald Acuña Jr., Austin Riley, and the since-departed Freddie Freeman. Known for his “gap-to-gap” hitting philosophy, Seitzer has emphasized contact, discipline, and consistency at the plate, which helped propel the Braves to multiple playoff appearances.
Despite these achievements, recent postseason struggles and key offensive slumps during high-stakes games have led to increasing scrutiny of the team’s offensive strategy. While the Braves had one of the most prolific offenses during the 2024 regular season, their bats fell notably quiet when it mattered most. These performances highlighted a potential need for a fresh perspective in the hitting department, ultimately influencing the decision to part ways with Seitzer. Insiders within the organization have hinted that the Braves are seeking a new hitting coach with a data-driven approach, prioritizing modern analytics and tailored player development to complement the team’s heavy reliance on power hitting and on-base efficiency.
Walt Weiss, a former MLB player and manager with the Colorado Rockies, has been a close advisor to Snitker since joining the Braves in 2018. His role as bench coach has been crucial, providing insights on in-game decisions, defensive alignments, and managerial support. Known for his strategic acumen, Weiss’s departure marks a significant change in Snitker’s staff dynamics. His experience and strong rapport with players and coaches alike were invaluable assets, and his absence will leave a notable gap.
The decision to part ways with Weiss suggests that the Braves are exploring a shift in leadership style or a bench coach with a more specialized approach to modern analytics and in-game strategy. While Weiss was well-respected among the players, there are indications that the Braves want a fresh voice that can bring in new strategic elements and foster a culture of adaptability in high-stakes moments.
Eric Young Sr. joined the Braves’ coaching staff in 2018 and has been instrumental in developing base-running strategies and defensive outfield techniques. Young’s expertise contributed to improved base-running efficiency and outfield alignment, areas where the Braves saw measurable gains under his guidance. His ability to connect with players and enhance their base-running decisions added another dimension to Atlanta’s dynamic offense.
However, as the game continues to evolve, so do the demands on base coaches, with a greater emphasis on versatility and incorporating defensive analytics into training. Young’s departure reflects the team’s desire to modernize and integrate emerging defensive metrics to maximize defensive positioning and speed on the bases. By bringing in a new first base coach, the Braves are aiming to further elevate these facets of their play, focusing on elements such as launch angles, sprint speed, and advanced base-running metrics.
These coaching changes are part of a larger organizational push to align the Braves’ coaching and player development philosophies with the team’s evolving analytical and tactical objectives. With a roster of young, high-potential players and core veterans, the Braves are focused on developing a coaching staff that embraces cutting-edge data analytics, individualized player development, and adaptive in-game decision-making.
“This was not an easy decision, given the tremendous value Kevin, Walt, and Eric have brought to our team,” Braves manager Brian Snitker stated. “Each of them has been a dedicated and integral part of our success, and we are grateful for their years of hard work. That said, we feel it’s time to go in a new direction that reflects the way the game is changing.”
The Braves front office is expected to initiate an exhaustive search to find the right replacements, prioritizing candidates who bring fresh perspectives and advanced expertise in modern coaching techniques. The franchise aims to bolster the coaching staff to better support its ambitions for a deep postseason run and to keep pace with the league’s evolving trends.
With the offseason in full swing, the Braves’ coaching shakeup indicates their commitment to staying competitive and adapting their staff to meet the demands of a new era in baseball. As the team begins the search for new hires, the Braves are sending a clear message: they are focused on building a team that not only excels in the regular season but is also prepared to thrive in the postseason, with a coaching staff equipped to meet the evolving demands of the modern game.
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