The Atlanta Braves have reportedly parted ways with Paul Davis, the club’s director of pitching development, according to a source familiar with the move.
Davis, who joined the organization after serving as the Seattle Mariners’ pitching coach, had been a key figure in shaping the Braves’ pitching pipeline over recent seasons.
Analytical voice in the Braves’ development system
Before his time in Atlanta, Davis spent five years with the St. Louis Cardinals organization and later transitioned to the Mariners’ major league staff in 2019. His background was unique—he never played beyond college ball, making his rise through the professional coaching ranks unconventional.
Davis built a reputation as a data-driven mind, relying heavily on video breakdowns, pitch tracking, and technology to refine mechanics and approach. In an August interview, he said his mission was to “develop pitchers into champions, not just Major Leaguers.”
Impact on Braves’ young arms
Under Davis’s direction, several of Atlanta’s top young pitchers—Spencer Schwellenbach, AJ Smith-Shawver, and Hurston Waldrep—have made strides within the organization.
His tenure also coincided with the development of right-hander JR Ritchie, now considered a top-100 prospect by MLB Pipeline.
Though Davis’s departure comes as a surprise, the Braves’ minor-league pitching depth remains one of the strongest in baseball, per FanGraphs system rankings (through September 2025).
Coaching staff in transition
This marks the first major personnel change following Brian Snitker’s retirement and transition to senior adviser. According to reports, the rest of the Braves’ coaching staff has been permitted to explore opportunities with other organizations, though no additional moves have been finalized.
Should other departures occur, they could affect both long-time staff members—such as pitching coach Rick Kranitz and bench coach Walt Weiss—and newer hires like hitting coach Tim Hyers, who joined before the 2025 season.
As of now, the Braves have not requested to interview external candidates for any coaching vacancies.
Managerial search context
From a managerial standpoint, Skip Schumaker, who was widely viewed as a potential fit in Atlanta, is now off the market after being promoted to manager of the Texas Rangers. According to reports, every team with an opening—except the Braves—had reached out about Schumaker’s availability.
The Braves’ leadership transition remains fluid as the organization reshapes its player development and coaching infrastructure ahead of the 2026 season.
