Four months ago the Atlanta Braves introduced former Texas Rangers coach, Tim Hyers, as their new hitting coach. The change came after a long stint with Kevin Seitzer leading the charge for the Braves offense, but an injury-filled and underperformance scattered 2024 was Seitzer’s undoing.
Hyers comes to Atlanta with a pedigree of success, and is looking to implement some of the same philosophies that helped the Rangers to a World Series title a couple of seasons ago. Thanks to a recent video fans got wind of Hyers’ thoughts on situational hitting, and his answer was a refreshing one to hear.
New philosophies for the Braves đź“–đź’đź’ @chrisdimino pic.twitter.com/BEFFLS1EZC
— 680 The Fan (@680TheFan) February 24, 2025
Hyers doesn’t want Braves players sacrificing power early in games
Earlier this offseason we learned a little about the areas of focus Hyers had for the Braves offense in 2025. Yesterday, we learned about Hyers’ insights on situational hitting and contrary to other opinions Hyers isn’t telling Braves’ hitters to shorten their swings in these key moments.
Atlanta’s hitting coach said his role is to lower players anxiety in these moments of RISP and less than two outs. “Players put so much pressure on themselves, instead of sticking to the process and sticking to what they do best.” said Hyers.
Hyers followed by stating that situational hitting late in games is critical. He then pointed out how in the Majors it’s really hard to get three hits in one inning. That’s why the Braves have invested so much in guys who hit the ball hard and can lift the baseball out of the ballpark. That’s why Hyers stated that early in games situational hitting is not as important because you want guys to still drive the baseball and the Braves have a ton of guys who can, “change the scoreboard in a hurry.”
I think this is what will allow the Braves to recapture that swagger they had in 2023, and get the most out of some players that may have been pressing too much last season. The hitting coach can only do so much for a team, but it is nice to hear the emphasis placed on driving the baseball with the powerful lineup the Braves possess, but also locking in late in games to drive runs in by any means necessary.
The Braves offense struggled mightly when they weren’t hitting the ball out of the ballpark last season. Hopefully, some added tools and reduced anxiety from their new hitting coach will allow Atlanta’s offense to become the best version of itself in 2025.
