Well, Braves fans, it’s official: Alex Anthopoulos has broken his own precedent. For the first time in his GM career—whether in Toronto or Atlanta—he’s made a midseason coaching staff change, and it’s a bold one. Out goes Matt Tuiasosopo as a third base coach. In comes a name etched into Braves lore: Fredi González.
A Change Rooted in Urgency
Let’s not confuse this with some casual reshuffle. This is a direct response to on-field execution, particularly at third base. Anthopoulos admitted as much: “We have to look at every area that we can get better.” This wasn’t a snap decision, either. Discussions started on Sunday, were revisited on Monday, and the decision was made by that evening.
That timeline speaks volumes. The Braves aren’t waiting for the trade deadline. They aren’t sitting on their hands during a stretch of middling, mistake-riddled baseball. They’re acting—and the target this time wasn’t a reliever or bench bat. It was the man sending runners home.
Tuiasosopo’s Exit: A Soft Landing, But a Firm Message
Tuiasosopo isn’t out of the organization. He’s now a minor league infield coordinator, and Anthopoulos was careful to praise his work with the infielders. But the move makes it clear: good work off the field doesn’t excuse costly decisions on it.
The flashpoint? That May 23 game against the Padres. With the Braves down 2-1 in the bottom of the ninth, Eli White hesitated between second and third on a would-be game-tying single from Ozzie Albies.
What should have been a runner on third, or maybe a run scored, turned into an outsourced opportunity. The Braves lost that game. In a season where every close contest matters, that kind of mental lapse is fuel for change.
Why Fredi? Why Now For the Braves?
Here’s where it gets fascinating. Anthopoulos clarified that this isn’t a change for change’s sake. The only reason this move happened now is because Fredi González was available. If he weren’t? They might’ve waited. That tells you just how rare this opportunity felt to the front office.
And while González is known more for his time as a manager (and his exit in 2016), his credentials at third base are legitimate. He did the job for four years before taking over for Bobby Cox.
Yes, that’s the same González who was once replaced by Brian Snitker, who now brings him back to the staff. But any potential drama is reportedly nonexistent—the two have remained close over the years and even chatted recently (unrelated to this decision, according to Snitker).
A Coaching Change With a Ripple Effect?
It’s not just about cleaner base-running or tighter execution. This move sends a message throughout the dugout and the clubhouse: no one is above accountability.
While González may only be here to steady the third-base ship, his presence raises long-term questions. Could he be in line for a bigger role down the road? Is this a setup for succession if and when Snitker decides to retire?
It’s too early to say. But it’s worth noting: the Braves’ love for alumni and organizational familiarity runs deep. If you’ve worn the A, you’re always a candidate to wear it again.
Braves Make Unexpected Move
This move wasn’t expected or predicted, but it was calculated. The Braves are clearly tired of beating themselves up in close games, and Fredi González’s return might not fix everything.
Still, it’s a step toward tightening up the margins—and in a division race where every play matters, that could be the difference between October glory and early heartbreak.
