The Atlanta Braves are shaking things up following their 2024 offensive struggles, announcing the firing of longtime hitting coach Kevin Seitzer just days after the season’s end. This decision caught many off guard, particularly after manager Brian Snitker had recently assured the media that he expected the entire coaching staff to return for 2025. While Seitzer’s dismissal surprised some, it underscores the growing need for a fresh approach as the Braves aim to regain their postseason prowess.
Seitzer’s track record speaks for itself. He was instrumental in shaping one of the best offensive seasons in franchise history just last year, making his departure all the more shocking. The Braves’ offensive woes in 2024 were partly due to an injury-riddled lineup, with several key players missing significant time. Still, the team’s inability to advance in the playoffs since winning the World Series three years ago suggested that a shakeup, either in personnel or coaching, was inevitable.
Despite the circumstances, Seitzer’s reputation as one of the game’s top hitting minds should help him land another coaching gig quickly, should he wish to stay in the game. Meanwhile, the Braves acted swiftly to fill the void, naming Tim Hyers as their new hitting coach.
Hyers, an Atlanta native, comes with an impressive resume. He served as the hitting coach for the Boston Red Sox from 2018-2021, where he played a key role in their 2018 World Series championship. Most recently, Hyers helped guide the Texas Rangers to a title in 2023. Now, he returns home to take the reins of one of baseball’s most talented offensive groups.
The Atlanta #Braves today announced the organization has hired Tim Hyers to the major league coaching staff as hitting coach. pic.twitter.com/j4RnnNuu3k
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) October 24, 2024
The Braves’ lineup, when healthy, is arguably the deepest in the league, and Hyers will have a wealth of talent at his disposal. With general manager Alex Anthopoulos likely to make some offseason tweaks, expectations will be high for Hyers to inject some of that championship-winning magic into Atlanta’s potent offense.
As the Braves look to break through their recent postseason frustrations, the hiring of Hyers signals a clear commitment to addressing the team’s offensive struggles and getting back to the top of the baseball world.
