Once the Atlanta Braves announced Walt Weiss as their next manager on Monday morning, the expectation was that most of the current coaching staff would remain in place. However, just two days later, the Braves have announced a major shakeup to the staff surrounding new manager Walt Weiss. Gone are familiar faces Rick Kranitz, Fredi Gonzalez, and Tom Goodwin while two former Mets coaches will step in to prominent coaching roles with Atlanta.
Replacing Kranitz is former big league pitcher, and 2024 New York Mets pitching coach, Jeremy Hefner. The 39 year-old Hefner spent the last six seasons as the Mets pitching coach, and helped New York to the sixth best ERA in baseball during his tenure. Rick Kranitz had been with the Braves since 2019, and often received glowing reviews for his efforts with so many of Atlanta's best pitchers.
The other coach stolen from New York is the excellent first base coach, Antoan Richardson. Many around baseball were surprised when the Mets didn't bring Richardson back for 2026, but today's news could signal Richardson was eyeing Atlanta the whole time. Richardson served as the first base coach, outfield coordinator, and baserunning instructor each of the last two seasons with the Mets. As of now, he has been announced just as the Braves first base coach for 2026.
Pitching coach Rick Kranitz, third base coach Fredi Gonzalez and first base coach Tom Goodwin were informed Monday they won't be returning to the Braves coaching staff this year. Jeremy Hefner is the new pitching coach and Antoan Richardson is the new first base coach.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) November 5, 2025
Braves bring in excellent coaches in Richardson and Hefner to support Weiss in 2026
The Mets benefited greatly from both Richardson and Hefner the past two seasons, and now the Braves will get the chance to hopefully enjoy those same results. Weiss' staff is rounding into shape nicely with the addition of these two coaches, and hopefully that means Atlanta gets back to winning baseball in 2026.
Richardson was credited with unlocking the base-running "prowess" of superstar Juan Soto's game, as Soto blew past his previous career high in stolen bases with 38 steals last year. It was an amazing effort as Soto's previous benchmark was 12 stolen bases, and he still ranked in just the 13th percentile in sprint speed last year. The Mets led MLB in stolen base percentage last year, meanwhile the Braves finished in the bottom five in team stolen bases in 2025.
Atlanta has yet to announce a corresponding move to replace Fredi Gonzalez at third base, but you can be sure Alex Anthopoulos will have that matter settled before we get too deep into the offseason. Regardless, adding coaches as well-regarded as Richardson and Hefner is a huge get for Atlanta...stealing them from the New York Mets is the cherry on top.