It's no secret that the Atlanta Braves offense has been putrid in 2025. They've been on a downward spiral since the completion of the 2023 season and haven't shown any signs of improving.
2024 could be mostly blamed on a plethora of injuries but 2025 has been marked by horrific underperformance from almost every player in the lineup. Kevin Seitzer was fired after last season and it felt like the right move at the time.
Maybe the offense needed a new voice to get them going in the right direction. However, Tim Hyers has not been able to right the ship this season. It's not all his fault as it's on the players to put into practice what they go over each week. He will undoubtedly be blamed for a lot of the problems, however.
Kevin Seitzer is thriving after getting fired by the Atlanta Braves
Seitzer has been able to unlock the Mariners' offense this year, along with help from Edgar Martinez. Seattle is one of the best offenses in the American League and they're being led by catcher Cal Raleigh.
Seattle's switch-hitting backstop is having an incredible season, and currently leads baseball in home runs (32) and RBI (69). He has given a lot of credit to Seitzer and Martinez for helping him achieve this improbable season.
CAL RALEIGH.
— MLB (@MLB) June 24, 2025
32 HOME RUNS. pic.twitter.com/AtcUdgGuwx
The Mariners carry the sixth-best team wRC+ in baseball at 112. Meanwhile, the Braves are 20th with a 96 wRC+. They also have the seventh-most home runs at 106 versus Atlanta's 83, which ranks 19th in baseball.
Raleigh is having a historic season and surpassed Hall of Famer Johnny Bench for the most homers by a catcher before the All-Star break. Raleigh is on pace for over 60 home runs and if he keeps that pace, it would be the most by a catcher since Salvador Perez hit 48 in 2021.
Raleigh points to a consistent approach for his ability to maintain such an incredible performance. "I know the first thing in this sport is winning games and this team. And after that, it’s about me keeping my head down knowing it is a long season, a full 162, and I’ve got to keep going and keep that consistent approach and do that every day. I know it’s a boring answer."
Consistency is the main thing the Braves are missing this year. It shows Atlanta probably wasn't wise to let go of Seitzer when a lot of the team's problems actually lie with roster construction. Hyers is doing his best and I'm sure consistency is being preached each and every day. He and Seitzer have very similar hitting philosophies.
Raleigh having a breakout year may remind Braves fans of the amazing season Matt Olson had in 2023. Olson was on a torrid pace like Raleigh and broke the franchise record for home runs and RBI in a single season. It seems Seitzer has helped unlock yet another historic offensive performance.