No coach in baseball was under more fire than Tim Hyers in the first half of the season. Hyer's debut with the Atlanta Braves got off to about as rocky as a start as you could have imagined. The Braves built a reputation on slugging and grinding at-bats, but suddenly scoring runs became a struggle nearly every night.
Thankfully, the Braves' offense has turned things around in the second half of the season. Many adjustments have been made by several Braves hitters in the second half. Hyers recently said that the team is preparing better in the second half. Additionally, Hyers admitted it took time to learn the proper language and strategies for each hitter, which can only come from hours spent together.
This recovery from Atlanta's offense has cooled down speculation around the possibility of firing Tim Hyers after this season. However, could Hyers be on his way out despite the recent turnaround from Braves hitters?
Tim Hyers could be replaced despite Braves second half turnaround
The key thing that could throw a wrench in Hyers returning for 2026 is the fact that Brian Snitker isn't expected to return next season. Often times when a new manager is brought in, he gets the privilege of bringing in his own coaching staff. It's possible the Braves could pound the table to retain Rick Kranitz, but keeping both Kranitz and Hyers could be a tall task.
This is something out of Hyers' control, but a real possibility for the 2026 season. As the season has gone on it's clear the things Hyers was preaching in the spring are beginning to happen more frequently. Hyers recently mentioned the focus on swing plane lately, which has been an effort to eliminate some of the weak ground balls they hit earlier in the season.
These type of teaching points have certainly paid off in the second half. Examples include Jurickson Profar's impressive pulled flyball rate, Michael Harris' improved swing path, and Ozzie Albies' slow return to full health in his wrist. Yes, the results took time, but Tim Hyers has clearly got his message through to Braves hitters.
Now that results are beginning to come, Hyers future with the team does look brighter. Sadly for him, the moves made around him in the dugout is the biggest factor for his coaching status with Atlanta in 2026. The look of the entire coaching staff for Atlanta in 2026 will be one of the biggest things to monitor once we close the door on the frustrating 2025 season.