WHAT ARE THE BRAVES PLANNING? Atlanta Hires Former Mets Pitching Coach Jeremy Hefner, Signalling Shift to Modernized Player Health.vc

The Atlanta Braves are shaking up their coaching infrastructure under new manager Walt Weiss, and the dramatic hiring of Jeremy Hefner as pitching coach has generated intense speculation across MLB. Hefner, known for his analytically-driven approach, previously served as pitching coach for the New York Mets for six seasons and spent time in the Minnesota Twins organization, a detail that has fueled whispers about a deeper attempt to address underlying issues the team has struggled to publicly resolve.

Hefner’s arrival in Atlanta replaces the long-tenured Rick Kranitz and signals a clear mandate from the Braves’ front office: the primary concern is improving pitcher health, longevity, and consistency across the organization.

The Unaddressed Issue: Pitcher Workload and Inconsistency

The “behind-the-scenes issue” the Braves have yet to publicly address is the performance and durability of their pitching staff—particularly outside of their top aces. The team finished the 2025 season with inconsistent results, plagued by injuries to key bullpen pieces and late-season fatigue that undermined their competitive edge.

Hefner is a respected voice in the modern game, praised for his work in establishing high-tech pitching labs and successfully managing veterans like Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer in New York. The Braves are banking on his expertise in:

• Workload Management: Implementing data-driven strategies to better manage the pitch counts and overall stress on the arms of top talents like Chris Sale and Spencer Strider, ensuring they remain effective through the rigorous postseason run.
• Performance Stability: Introducing advanced mechanics and training methodologies to help the entire staff, from rotation members to the bullpen, maintain consistent velocity and command throughout the grueling 162-game schedule.

Not a Rebuild, But a Re-Tooling

While the wholesale changes to the coaching staff—including the dismissal of three coaches and the hiring of Hefner and former Mets first-base coach Antoan Richardson—spark talk of a potential rebuild, the moves are better classified as an aggressive re-tooling.

By investing in a coach with a strong reputation for blending analytics and player development, the Atlanta Braves are attempting to fix the internal machinery that failed them during their recent slump. This strategic appointment is a commitment to maximizing the potential of their existing star-studded roster, sending a clear message that the organization is focused on returning to championship contention immediately by solving their most critical structural weakness: what happens on the mound.