Ozzie Albies and Austin Riley Share Their Thoughts on Walt Weiss Becoming Atlanta Braves Manager

The Atlanta Braves are entering the 2026 MLB season with a new face at the helm, as Walt Weiss has been hired as the team’s manager. Weiss, 62, takes over the position following the respected tenure of Brian Snitker, who led the Braves for several successful seasons. Weiss, however, is no stranger to Atlanta’s culture, having served as the team’s bench coach from 2018 to 2025. His previous experience as a manager with the Colorado Rockies from 2013 to 2016 adds another layer of credibility to his appointment.

For the Braves players, Weiss is not a new figure. They’ve worked closely with him during his time as the bench coach, and many are eager to see what he brings to the table as the new manager. Two of the team’s standout stars, Ozzie Albies and Austin Riley, shared their thoughts on Weiss’s promotion during a recent interview, and their reactions reflect their high regard for the veteran coach.

Austin Riley’s Excitement for Weiss’ Appointment

Austin Riley, the Braves’ third baseman, expressed his excitement about Weiss taking over as manager. Riley noted that Weiss was his first choice for the role if the team was going to hire from within. “I was excited,” Riley said. “If we were going to stay in-house, that was who I wanted it to be.”

Riley went on to describe Weiss as a quiet, professional figure, one who is deeply knowledgeable about the game. “Walt, he’s a very quiet guy, but about as professional as they come. I think people are gonna get to see it this year, was how knowledgeable he is of the game. Like, he’s a student of the game,” Riley explained.

The third baseman also highlighted Weiss’s ability to blend traditional managing techniques with modern approaches. “I think Walt will bring a balance of old-school managing tactics but also trust in analytics. He’s open to both,” Riley added. Weiss’s willingness to combine these approaches is seen as a positive for the Braves, especially as the team continues to strive for success in a rapidly evolving game.

Ozzie Albies: A Familiar and Respected Leader

Ozzie Albies, the Braves’ second baseman, echoed similar sentiments about Weiss. “Same, I mean like Riley said, he’s a really quiet guy, really professional,” Albies shared. “You know, he knows the game.”

Albies also emphasized that Weiss is approachable, making it easy for players to seek his guidance during games. “You can always go to him and ask about a certain play, and he’ll give you a knowledgeable response,” Albies said. This ability to communicate effectively with players is one of Weiss’s key strengths, and it’s something that the Braves will likely benefit from as the season progresses.

“He’s a great fit,” Albies continued. “And we all on the team like him.” This personal endorsement from one of the team’s leaders is a strong indicator that Weiss already has the respect and trust of the Braves’ players.

What Walt Weiss Brings to the Braves as Manager

As the new manager, Walt Weiss is expected to bring a professional and balanced approach to the team. Having learned from his time under Snitker, Weiss is likely to incorporate some of the strategies and philosophies that helped guide the Braves to success. However, it’s also anticipated that Weiss will bring his own unique game plans and managerial style to the table, based on his experiences as a player and a coach.

Weiss, who played as a shortstop in MLB from 1987 to 2000, spent time with several teams, including the Oakland Athletics, Florida Marlins (now Miami Marlins), Colorado Rockies, and Atlanta Braves. His career as a player included one All-Star selection in 1998 with the Braves, where he hit .280 with a .729 OPS. Weiss also won the 1988 Rookie of the Year Award with the Athletics. While not known for his power, Weiss was a contact hitter with excellent bat-to-ball skills and a solid on-base percentage. Throughout his career, he demonstrated leadership qualities, which are often a hallmark of shortstops.

A Leader Both on and off the Field

As a player, Weiss was known for his steady presence and leadership. His ability to lead from the shortstop position may translate into effective leadership as the Braves’ manager. His quiet but firm leadership style is something that both Albies and Riley seem to admire, and it could be a key factor in fostering a winning atmosphere within the clubhouse.

As Riley mentioned, Weiss’s calm demeanor combined with his professionalism makes him a natural fit for a team like the Braves, who have high expectations heading into the 2026 season. His leadership style, grounded in knowledge and experience, has already earned him the respect of the players, and that bodes well for the team’s dynamics going forward.

The Importance of Weiss’s Familiarity with the Braves

One of the biggest advantages for Weiss in taking over the manager position with the Braves is his familiarity with the team. Having been the bench coach for the last several years, Weiss is well-versed in the strengths and weaknesses of the Braves’ roster. He knows the players’ personalities, their playing styles, and how they respond to various situations. This continuity is vital, as Weiss will be able to hit the ground running without the need for a lengthy adjustment period.

With Weiss stepping into the managerial role, the Braves won’t be going through the typical growing pains that often come with a new leader. The players already have a relationship with Weiss, and that chemistry will help smooth the transition. This stability, combined with his ability to both mentor and challenge his players, should help the Braves maintain their competitive edge in a highly competitive division.

Weiss’s Leadership Will Be Crucial in 2026

The 2026 season will be a significant one for the Braves, who will be looking to continue their strong performance from recent years. The team boasts a talented roster, and with Weiss at the helm, they will have a leader who knows the game inside and out. His blend of experience, professionalism, and familiarity with the team could be exactly what the Braves need to make another deep playoff run.

As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to see how Weiss’s leadership style impacts the team. He is already receiving high praise from key players like Albies and Riley, and it’s clear that he has the respect of the Braves’ locker room. If Weiss can translate his knowledge and calm demeanor into successful in-game decisions, the Braves will be in good hands moving forward.

For now, the Braves are ready to embrace their new manager and the fresh approach he will bring in 2026. The team’s players, including Albies and Riley, are excited to work under Weiss’s leadership, and the fans will be eager to see how he steers the Braves toward another successful season.