The Atlanta Braves fired three of their coaches on Thursday afternoon. Kevin Seitzer was one of the coaches fired after a horrific season that did not go well offensively for the Braves.
Atlanta shocked the league in 2023 as they led in almost every category offensively, including average (.276), OBP (.344), slugging percentage (.501), OPS (.845), hits (1,543), runs (947), and home runs (307).
The first month of the 2024 season looked promising as the team performed well offensively but something changed. Atlanta's offense couldn't seem to come through in big moments and appeared to be pressing to make something happen every at-bat. This was not something they struggled with last year.
So, after a disastrous year, most fans expected something would change. However, Brian Snitker made comments after exiting the playoffs early that made it seem like the Braves would return the same staff.
Kevin Seitzer admits what Braves fans knew about surprise firing and 2024 struggles
Seitzer had one year remaining on his contract so it would have made sense for the team to return him after 10 mostly successful seasons. Atlanta's struggles with situational hitting was one of the hardest experiences for fans in 2024. Every time runners were in scoring position, one could easily predict what the outcome would be. That's not a recipe for success.
Alex Anthopoulos evaluated the season and decided it was time to make a change. He called Seitzer, who was at his home in Kansas City, to inform him of his termination.
Braves insider David O'Brien spoke with the former big leaguer after the decision, and Setizer described 2024 as the "hardest season of his life." He couldn't get hitters to stop pressing and pick up the slack when others were injured or slumping, something they excelled at in 2023.
Kevin said he doesn't blame Alex Anthopoulos for deciding to move on because of how tough of a year it was. He stated, "I have no ill will towards the Braves, and I’ve always been thankful for every day I had an opportunity to have a major-league uniform on."
Seitz even mentioned that Atlanta needs to look for a hitting coach who can help Braves hitters "not try so hard." It's way too soon to know what hitting coaches the Braves will consider but we offered some ideas for replacements here.
Braves players have long praised Kevin for being a great coach and human being. However, Atlanta couldn't afford to ignore extended slumps from some of their best players. Something needed to change and this a way the team can try to fix things.
Seitzer has served as hitting coach for four teams now, the Diamondbacks, Blue Jays, Royals, and Braves. He has a great track record and could land with another team should he choose to. When asked if he would seek another job, Seitzer stated he'd lean on his faith to make the final decision.
Seitzer told O'Brien, "Every day I get up — and I told Alex this — I get up and have my prayer time and give my day to God,”. Seitzer continued, “He’s the one in control. So, we’ll see what He’s got in store for me. If it’s to keep going, we’ll do it. And if he says to shut it down, I will.”