The Atlanta Braves, a franchise never shy about revisiting its past, officially did what just days ago would’ve sounded like a parody headline: they brought back Fredi Gonzalez—not as a manager, not as a consultant, but as the third base coach.
Yes, the same Fredi Gonzalez who was fired as Braves manager back in 2016, the same guy who found out via a Delta Airlines itinerary email that he was being replaced—and the same guy replaced by current Braves skipper Brian Snitker. That Fredi Gonzalez.
A Coaching Carousel That Came Full Circle
So here we are. Matt Tuiasosopo is out—reassigned, per official language—after some rocky moments sending runners home this season. Let’s be honest: Braves fans have watched more than a few head-scratchers unfold around third base this year.
After months of tinkering on the fringe of the roster, it appears Alex Anthopoulos decided it was time to rattle the dugout instead. According to reports from Justin Toscano, this was a proactive move to shake things up, light a fire, and maybe even redirect a little accountability back to the staff. Welcome back, Fredi.
On paper, it makes sense. Gonzalez has been around the league plenty since his managerial days, working in both Miami and Baltimore, and he has tons of experience coaching third base. Fredi was the perfect match if the Braves wanted someone who could immediately stabilize a weak spot on the field without needing a learning curve.
And sure, the optics are unusual—almost sitcom-level awkward—but according to Grant McAuley, Gonzalez and Snitker remain close friends. So, there is no tension, no weirdness… just business.
Bigger Picture In Play Here for Braves?
This move doesn’t just solve a base-running problem. It reinforces something deeply embedded in the Braves’ organizational culture: the door is always open.
Played here? Coached here? Took BP here once in 2011? You’re on the radar. Fredi Gonzalez’s return is just the latest example in a long line of reunion hires. Honestly, it speaks volumes about the consistency and loyalty within the Braves’ brass.
It also sparks a quiet thought. What happens post-Snitker? With Gonzalez back in the building, you can’t help but wonder if he’s more than just a coach filling a role. Could he become a mentor to the next in-house manager? A fallback plan? Or even—if things go unexpectedly sideways—a transitional manager again? It’s too soon to tell. Way too soon.
For Now: A Basepath Reset
The Braves hope this move stops the third-base chaos and sharpens the small-game details that win tight ballgames. Fredi Gonzalez knows the territory, understands the expectations, and brings both competence and credibility to a job that desperately needs both.
It’s a wild and unexpected move. These seem to be the Braves’ specialty these days. But it might just be brilliant as well. Whether you’re managing the team or waving runners home—if you wore the A once, they’ll find a way to bring you back.
