The Atlanta Braves’ offense has gone from fearsome to forgettable in less than two seasons, and fans are taking notice — especially when it comes to hitting coach Tim Hyers.
While baseball insiders will always debate just how much credit or blame should be placed on assistant coaches, it’s becoming hard to ignore the optics: Since Hyers took over, the Braves’ bats have gone ice-cold compared to their historic 2023 campaign.
Atlanta currently ranks 15th in team fWAR — a far cry from where they’ve lived in recent years — and Ronald Acuña Jr.’s recent heater is the main reason they aren’t even lower. Acuña’s return from injury has been electric. He’s more patient, more disciplined, and more productive. And surprisingly, he credits Hyers for that.
Acuña’s Endorsement Stands Out, But Doesn’t Shield the Bigger Issues
Acuña wasn’t even prompted when he dropped Hyers’ name after a postgame media scrum. He made a point to shout out the hitting coach for the work they did while he was rehabbing. That type of unsolicited praise from the team’s biggest star carries weight, and it suggests Hyers has a deeper rapport with at least some of the clubhouse.
But the truth is, outside of Acuña, very little is going right offensively. Key contributors like Matt Olson and Michael Harris II have underperformed, and some younger players haven’t developed as expected. Even if those struggles aren’t all on Hyers, the job of a hitting coach is to connect with everyone — not just the MVP.
And that’s where things get dicey. Kevin Seitzer was let go despite leading one of the best offenses in baseball just a year ago. If the Braves applied that standard once, they may do so again — especially with manager Brian Snitker likely retiring and a broader reset looming.
Results Matter For the Atlanta Braves Right Now
Ultimately, Atlanta is in a results-driven business, and this season’s numbers don’t lie. The team’s playoff hopes are fading fast, and barring a major offensive turnaround in the second half, changes could be coming.
Acuña’s support may have bought Hyers some grace. But if more bats don’t come alive — and soon — the Braves front office could decide that it’s time for another fresh voice.
