As Walt Weiss continues to build out his coaching staff in Atlanta, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reported Monday that longtime Minnesota Twins coach Tommy Watkins was on the move to join the Braves. The Athletic's David O'Brien confirmed the report Tuesday morning, adding that Watkins will be the team's new third-base coach.
Tony Mansolino, who was hired last week and announced as the third-base coach, will instead be Atlanta's new bench coach under Weiss and work specifically with the club's infielders. Eddie Pérez will also be back as a major league coach.
Jeremy Hefner will serve as the Braves' pitching coach, and Antoan Richardson will serve as the first base-coach. Both came over from the New York Mets. JP Martinez will serve as Atlanta's Major League bullpen coach, rounding out the staff.
#Braves coaching news: newly hired Tommy Watkins will be third-base coach, and Eddie Pérez will be back as a major league coach.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) November 11, 2025
Tony Mansolino, hired last week and announced as 3B coach, will instead be the new bench coach and work with infielders, as Walt Weiss did in past.
Braves ready to enter Walt Weiss era with new additions to coaching staff
These new coaching hires represent a complete structural retooling for the Braves under Weiss, signaling a blend of continuity, collaboration and fresh perspective from outside organizations.
Mansolino has long been respected for his defensive instruction and infield acumen. By making him bench coach, Weiss gains an in-game strategist who also doubles as a defensive coordinator – similar to how Ron Washington functioned in Atlanta for years. It ensures continuity in player development and on-field fundamentals.
A well-regarded communicator, Watkins is known for his energetic, player-first approach and ability to connect across personalities. He handled both base-running and outfield responsibilities with the Twins, which fits the Braves’ aggressive base running culture. His steady demeanor should play well in high-pressure postseason environments.
Hiring Hefner as pitching coach is a coup for Atlanta. His track record with the Mets shows a mastery of blending analytics and communication. He helped turn around arms like Taijuan Walker, Carlos Carrasco and José Quintana, and he fostered younger pitchers through tailored data-driven plans. For a Braves staff that occasionally struggles with injuries and late-season fatigue, Hefner’s systematic workload management should be a major plus.
Richardson is widely respected for his work in base running, outfield defense and clubhouse unity. His presence ensures the Braves maintain the kind of aggressive-but-smart base running identity that’s defined them since 2021.
Keeping Pérez on staff is symbolic and practical. A longtime Braves figure and former catcher, Pérez bridges eras – from the Bobby Cox days to the Weiss era – and maintains that connective tissue to organizational history. He’s a mentor to Latin American players and offers deep insight on game preparation from a catcher’s perspective.
In short, Atlanta’s new coaching staff blends analytics with personality — keeping the Braves’ player-driven culture intact while updating the infrastructure for sustained success under Weiss.