For a number of years, former Atlanta Braves hitting coach Kevin Seitzer was lauded for his work with the Braves' offense. While it took a bit of time for Atlanta's talent to catch up with their ambitions after the team hired Seitzer way back in 2014, Atlanta's offense was the envy of the entire league from 2018-2023. For many, Seitzer was considered the glue that kept Braves hitters on track even if their approach wasn't exactly in line with Seitzer's "make contact" and "be patient" philosophy.
Unfortunately, the 2024 season was a very different tale. The Braves' lineup got absolutely ravaged by injuries which wasn't Seitzer's fault, but those that survived the injury bug were pressing at the plate all year long and not responding to Seitzer and the other hitting coaches. The problem was so pronounced that the front office felt a new voice was needed going forward and Seitzer was fired along with assistant hitting coach Bobby Magallanes and catching coach Sal Fasano.
Don't feel too bad for Seitzer, though, as it appears that he has landed back on his feet with the news that he was hired by the Mariners to be their hitting coach.
Mariners To Hire Kevin Seitzer As Hitting Coach https://t.co/oeB1U23xzD pic.twitter.com/pVRbL0NHyE
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) November 26, 2024
Former Braves hitting coach Kevin Seitzer hired by the Mariners to turn their offense around
This is an ideal opportunity for Seitzer to turn his coaching career around with a very promising Seattle team that has playoff ambitions. Given the strength of the Mariners' pitching staff, that team is going to be a serious postseason contender if their lineup is even average. It sounds like Seitzer will have to answer to Mariners legend Edgar Martinez on the hitting side and one would guess that with those two at the helm, Seattle's offense should be strictly better in 2025 and beyond.
It is a sad final chapter for Seitzer and the Braves after a long, successful run together. The Braves became known for their offensive firepower under him and it is a shame that he seemingly lost the clubhouse during the trying 2024 season. To Seitzer's credit, he holds no ill-will towards the Braves and completely understands why he was let go. One hopes the change of scenery will do both sides well.
For now, the Braves have to hope that new hitting coach Tim Hyers and the rest of the new Braves coaches will be able to get Atlanta back on track. Everyone seems to understand what needs to be fixed and that this Atlanta lineup is far too talented to underperform like they did last season. Assuming the coaching philosophy resonates and everyone gets healthy early in 2025, both the Braves and Mariners could end up benefitting from the coaching shake-up.