The Atlanta Braves are planning a strategic reset for the 2025 season and started by revamping their approach at the plate. Injuries may have held back some of the team’s biggest bats in 2024, but the front office recognized that physical setbacks weren’t the sole reason for the team’s offensive struggles.
The recent shake-up in the coaching staff surprised just about everyone. Kevin Seitzer, who held the role for a decade, and assistant hitting coach Bobby Magallanes were let go. This highlights the team’s decision to bring in a fresh vision. The Braves then bring in Tim Hyers who is an Atlanta native and respected offensive strategist. He is stepping in with a more adaptable approach to keeping the Braves’ bats consistently productive.
Hyers brings a strong track record to the Braves. Having served as a hitting coach for the past nine years, he helped guide his teams to three World Series appearances. His plan for Atlanta brings a “holistic approach” to hitting. One that acknowledges the complexities of each game while preserving the Braves’ established focus on power and getting on base.
But, as Hyers noted in his first interview as Braves hitting coach, there’s more to winning than homers. “Slug and on-base” remains essential, but Hyers emphasized the importance of situational awareness, saying players should “take those layups to the opposite field if we need it” when the game demands it. This shift signals that the Braves intend to enhance their situational hitting and take advantage of more scoring opportunities.
Let’s look at some stats to see why this is crucial. In 2024, the Braves ranked a dismal 20th in MLB with a .247 batting average with runners in scoring position (RISP). They were also 20th in OPS with RISP and 21st in sacrifice flies, making it clear that the team struggled to manufacture runs when the long ball wasn’t available.
The absence of stolen base threats from Ronald Acuña Jr. and limited offensive output from Ozzie Albies and Austin Riley exposed just how dependent the team was on power to get runners home. Without those key elements, Atlanta’s offensive strategy proved too one-dimensional.
His success with situational hitting sets Hyers apart, which helped his previous team, the Rangers, reach third place in MLB for batting average with RISP at .271. In his view, embracing different strategies, particularly when up against elite pitchers, will make Atlanta’s offense more versatile.
“There are days when you’re facing an ace, and we’re going to have to single him to death,” Hyers explained. The Braves need to be ready to adapt when they can’t rely on a power surge, scratching out runs with small ball tactics when necessary to keep the scoreboard ticking.
Situational hitting has arguably become a lost art across the league. While it’s not a strategy that will work every inning, situational adjustments could help the Braves capitalize in close games. It helps take into account where even a single extra run can make the difference.
Hyers’ approach suggests an ideal balance of maintaining Atlanta’s power identity while boosting consistency and flexibility at the plate. With Hyers at the helm, 2025 could be the year the Braves return to the top of the NL East by becoming a more dynamic offense, prepared for whatever challenges come their way.
