Richard Dean
The Atlanta Braves have made significant changes to their coaching staff, parting ways with three key members just days after indicating that their entire coaching lineup would return for the upcoming season. Hitting coach Kevin Seitzer, along with assistant hitting coach Bobby Magallanes and catching coach Sal Fasano, will not rejoin the team for the 2025 season, marking a surprising turn of events for a franchise that has seen considerable success in recent years.
Unexpected Coaching Shakeup
The decision comes after a disappointing performance in the 2024 postseason, where the Braves were swept in the NL Wild Card Series by the San Diego Padres. The team had high expectations, bolstered by a talented roster and a history of success, including a World Series title in 2021 and multiple NL East championships.
Manager Brian Snitker and the Braves’ management faced scrutiny as they navigated an injury-riddled season. With so much at stake, changes in the coaching staff reflect the organization’s desire to regroup and improve.
Kevin Seitzer’s Tenure
Kevin Seitzer served as the Braves’ hitting coach for 10 years and was honored as the 2023 Baseball America MLB Coach of the Year. He played a pivotal role in developing hitters and fostering offensive talent throughout his tenure. However, this season proved particularly challenging.
In a recent interview with David O’Brien of The Athletic, Seitzer shared insights into both his professional and personal struggles during the year. He revealed significant issues that his wife faced health-wise, leading him to step away from the team temporarily. It is heartening to note that she has since fully recovered.
Despite the hardships, Seitzer expressed gratitude for his time with the Braves, stating, “I’ve always been thankful for every day I had an opportunity to have a major-league uniform on. We had a whole lot of success, won a World Series. I couldn’t be more thankful to Alex (Anthopoulos) and the Braves for having me around this long.”
A Look Ahead
The Braves are now looking to bring in new talent to fill the vacated roles. Notably, they plan to hire two new hitting coaches to replace Seitzer and Magallanes but will not fill the catching coach position left by Fasano. This emphasizes the organization’s focus on revamping the hitting department ahead of the next season.
Seitzer highlighted the need for future coaching to address the mental aspects of player performance. He noted that the physical struggles of key players throughout the season put considerable pressure on the team, which influenced their overall performance and success.
The changes come while the Braves remain one of the best teams in the National League, particularly when healthy. The new coaching appointments are essential, as they aim to catalyze a return to their winning form as they prepare for the 2025 season.
The Path Forward
As the Braves search for new coaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see what direction the franchise takes. Changes at the coaching level can often signal a shift in strategy and focus, especially after a disappointing conclusion to the season.
Seitzer, now at 63, has not publicly stated whether he intends to pursue another coaching position in Major League Baseball. His extensive experience and success could make him a valuable asset for another organization looking for a seasoned coach.
Conclusion
The firing of Kevin Seitzer and two other coaches marks a significant moment for the Atlanta Braves as they aim to strengthen their roster and coaching strategies. With a history of success behind them, the Braves are poised for a critical off-season as they work to ensure that they return to their championship-level performance in 2025. Fans can look forward to seeing how these changes will impact the team’s quest for another title, as adjustments at the coaching level can often lead to better results on the field
