It’s no secret that things went off track for the Atlanta Braves last season. Injuries played their part, sure, but the real issue was more profound – a flawed approach at the plate.
Despite boasting three NL All-Stars, only Marcell Ozuna was in the lineup daily. The team’s offensive approach leaned heavily on a boom-or-bust strategy under former hitting coach Kevin Seitzer. It became clear that this approach had led to more busts than booms as the postseason came and went.
Tim Hyers Brings Fresh Approach
In a bold shakeup, the Braves brought in Tim Hyers, fresh off a World Series win with the Texas Rangers. A Georgia native from Newton County, Hyers comes to Atlanta with more than just a hometown connection. His extensive coaching résumé includes stints with the Tigers, Dodgers, Red Sox, and Rangers. He is bringing championship experience from Boston in 2018 and Texas in 2023. And now, he’s armed with a new offensive philosophy that promises to add depth to the Braves’ lineup.
Hyers detailed his approach in a Zoom call with local media. He broke it down into three core elements: game planning, swing decisions, and box movement. He emphasized scoring through varied strategies rather than relying solely on home runs.
Chipper Critiques Braves Offense
This versatile approach could give the Braves an edge, especially in October. As Braves legend Chipper Jones has often critiqued the offense for its rigidity, Hyers’ more dynamic strategy might be the breath of fresh air Atlanta needs.
Under Seitzer, the Braves thrived on home-run power, setting records in the regular season but falling short when the postseason demanded adaptability. Some players, like Matt Olson, took it upon themselves to self-correct as the season wore on, but for the most part, the Braves offense didn’t adjust quickly enough.
Hyers Adjusts Braves Strategy
The hope is that Hyers’ philosophy will prevent the Braves from “living and dying” by the long ball and will instead enable them to adapt to changing game conditions. Jones, who excelled by adjusting his approach – especially notable in his 2008 season when he focused on contact hitting and won the NL Batting Championship – will likely appreciate this shift.
Atlanta has the talent to be a perennial contender, but recent seasons have shown they need a spark. With Tim Hyers in the mix, the Braves can harness their talent, refocus their mental game, and truly reach their potential on offense.
