BREAKING: Braves Make Major Coaching Changes — Three Depart, Two Join from Mets as Atlanta Resets for 2026 Season
Change has come to Atlanta.
The Braves announced Monday that pitching coach Rick Kranitz, third base coach Fredi Gonzalez, and first base coach Tom Goodwin will not return to the coaching staff next season. In their place, the club has hired Jeremy Hefner as pitching coach and Antoan Richardson as first base coach — both formerly part of the New York Mets staff.
It marks one of the most significant staff shake-ups of the Alex Anthopoulos era — a clear signal that Atlanta is not standing still after a turbulent 2025 season that ended short of expectations.
“Decisions like this are never easy,” manager Walt Weiss said in a statement. “Rick, Fredi, and Tom are tremendous baseball men who gave everything to this organization. But we felt it was time to take a new direction.”
Kranitz, who joined the Braves in 2019, played a major role in developing one of the National League’s most consistent pitching staffs during the team’s championship run in the early 2020s. He was widely respected by players for his calm demeanor and deep understanding of pitching mechanics. But with several young arms still searching for consistency, the front office reportedly wanted a more modern approach — one blending analytics and player communication.
That’s where Hefner comes in.
The 38-year-old Hefner, who served as the Mets’ pitching coach from 2020 to 2024, earned praise for his analytical insight and ability to connect with pitchers. Under his guidance, the Mets’ rotation produced multiple breakout seasons, including Cy Young contender Kodai Senga and reliever Edwin Díaz’s resurgence.
“Jeremy brings an incredible balance between data and feel,” Anthopoulos said. “He understands the modern game, but he also knows how to communicate with players on a human level.”
For Hefner, joining Atlanta is both an opportunity and a challenge.
“The Braves have one of the most talented pitching groups in baseball,” Hefner said. “I’ve admired them from across the field for years. I’m excited to be a part of building what’s next.”
Meanwhile, Antoan Richardson’s addition to the coaching staff injects energy and experience into the basepaths. The 41-year-old Bahamian coach spent the past three seasons as the Mets’ first base coach and is known for his focus on baserunning detail, player relationships, and clubhouse chemistry.
His hiring, paired with Hefner’s, reflects the Braves’ desire to blend innovation with leadership — an effort to evolve while preserving the team’s culture of accountability.
Still, Monday’s news wasn’t easy for many inside the clubhouse. Kranitz and Gonzalez, in particular, had deep bonds with the roster.
“They’re family,” said veteran pitcher Max Fried. “Rick’s taught me so much about not just pitching, but how to stay calm in big moments. It’s hard to see him go.”
The departures close a meaningful chapter for the Braves. Gonzalez, who served as third base coach for the past four seasons, was a respected voice in the dugout — a former manager who brought stability and wisdom to the daily grind. Tom Goodwin, known for his communication skills and base-running instruction, was equally well liked.
But change, as Anthopoulos often says, is part of baseball’s rhythm.
“This is about growth,” he said. “We’re grateful for everything these men have done, but it’s time to build toward the next phase of Braves baseball.”
For Atlanta, the message is clear: after a season of questions and inconsistency, the franchise is retooling — not retreating.
And as the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on how these new voices reshape a clubhouse still chasing another ring.
Leave a Reply