The Atlanta Braves have begun their extensive search to fill the surprise coaching vacancies they created yesterday afternoon. Less than a week ago Anthopoulos and Snitker told fans that the entire coaching staff was expected to be brought back in 2025.
Instead, Atlanta is hoping to upgrade from Kevin Seitzer, who had been the longest tenured hitting coach in baseball. Many fans quickly wanted Braves legend Chipper Jones to get a shot, but David O'Brien of the Athletic quickly shut that down.
The Braves will replace the two hitting coaches but will not fill the catching-coach position, which was designed specifically for Fasano. And from those I've spoken to, Chipper Jones is not a candidate for one of the hitting-coach jobs, as he has a lot going on outside baseball.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) October 10, 2024
This means the Braves will conduct interviews with numerous internal and external candidates as they seek to hire two hitting coaches. The job itself should be highly sought after, considering the talent on the roster and the historic marks the offense put up in 2023. Here's some names we think you should keep your eye on as the Braves conduct their search.
Brian McCann
One of the best catchers in Braves franchise history and a fan favorite in Atlanta, Brian McCann would certainly get a lot of buzz if the Braves brought him in as hitting coach next season. McCann did spend some time coaching with former Brave Mark DeRosa during the last installment of the World Baseball Classic.
McCann could be a fit, but he may not be ready to commit that much time to the sport he retired from just five years ago. As we know B-Mac and Frenchy love to play their fair share of golf during the summer, so a full 162 commitment from McCann may not be in the cards.
Johnny Washington
The hitting coach of the 2024 Los Angeles Angels may not sound like the most glowing resume out there, but Johnny Washington is an under the radar name. Washington got his first shot at being a Major League hitting coach under former Brave, Ron Washington's tutledge last season.
The Angels didn't have a great year, but that was no fault of Johnny Washington's. The Angels are in a rebuilding period, and the roster wasn't up to competing against big league pitching. Washington's approach could shine in Atlanta.
Edgar Martinez
A five-time Silver Slugger, two-time American League batting title winner, and MLB Hall of Famer is the best resume we'll include on this list. Edgar Martinez's career speaks for itself. The man knows a great deal about hitting at the big league level.
The hard part would be prying Martinez from the organization he's spent his baseball life with. Seattle is home for Martinez, but the continued struggles for the Mariners could persuade Martinez to jump on a special opportunity with Atlanta. While the Mariners didn't hit much in 2024, they did rank second in the American League in walks...a skill the Braves desperately need to improve upon.
Troy Snitker
Could it be a family affair in the Braves dugout in 2025? Troy Snitker is the son of current Braves manager Brian Snitker, and has proven to be an important piece of the Houston Astros' long-term success.
Troy has held the assistant hitting coach position with Houston since 2019. His advanced perspective on hitting and established connection in the Braves dugout could make him an intriguing candidate.
Dan DeMent
An internal option the Braves could pursue comes from Triple-A Gwinnett in the form of Dan DeMent. He's spent time with Rays manager Kevin Cash, where he served as an assitant hitting coach on some pretty good Rays squad.
Last season was his first with Gwinnett, and all reports seem to indicate he's a well-liked and intelligent coach. His familiarity within the organization should incentivize the Braves to at least give him an extended look.
Chris Valaika
First year manager Stephen Vogt and hitting coach Chris Valaika have the Cleveland Guardians one game away from the ALCS. Jose Ramirez has been a superstar for a long time and Josh Naylor is underrated, but outside of those two the offensive firepower is limited in Cleveland.
Valaika has engineered Cleveland to some great situational hitting and fundamentally sound ABC baseball. We know the Braves can hit for power, but adding the elements Valaika has flourished in would go a long way for Atlanta's offense in 2025.
Barry Larkin
How about a former NL MVP to round out this list? Barry Larkin was a premier hitter in the late 80's and 90's, winning one MVP, nine Silver Sluggers, and earning 12 All-Star game nods. Nowadays, Larkin is in the broadcast booth for his beloved Cincinnati Reds.
Previously Larkin expressed the desire to coach as he was once interviewed for the Tampa Bay Rays managerial position. The Rays ultimately went with Kevin Cash, and Larkin has remained with the Reds in various instruction roles before jumping into the booth.
However, the chance to work with talents like Ronald Acuna Jr., Austin Riley, Michael Harris, Matt Olson, and many more might just be enough to lure Larkin out of Cincinnati.