The Atlanta Braves are turning the page-and they’re doing it with a familiar hand on the pen. After parting ways with longtime skipper Brian Snitker at the end of the regular season, the Braves didn’t look far for his successor. They promoted bench coach Walt Weiss, a steady presence in the dugout and a name well known around Truist Park.
It’s a bold move, but one that makes a lot of sense for a franchise looking to bounce back after a rare stumble. The Braves missed the postseason for the first time in seven years, finishing 76-86 in a year where injuries hit hard and momentum never quite materialized. Now, with Weiss at the helm, the team is banking on continuity, experience, and a fresh energy to get things back on track.
Weiss, 61, isn’t new to the manager’s chair. He led the Colorado Rockies from 2013 to 2016, compiling a 283-365 record during a time when the Rockies were rebuilding and constantly retooling. While his teams never finished higher than third place, Weiss earned respect for his leadership and ability to connect with players-a trait that’s already served him well in Atlanta as Snitker’s right-hand man.
Now, he gets a second shot-this time with a roster that’s a lot closer to contention than the one he inherited in Colorado. And he’s embracing the opportunity with confidence.
“I’ve never been more ready to do this in my baseball career,” Weiss said. That’s not just coach-speak. It’s the voice of someone who’s been in the trenches, who’s seen the highs and lows of a 162-game grind, and who knows what it takes to lead a clubhouse through October.
The Braves aren’t just changing the face at the top-they’re also shaking things up on the coaching staff. The new hires bring a noticeable injection of youth and modern baseball savvy.
Jeremy Hefner, Antoan Richardson, Tony Mansolino, and J.P. Martinez-all in their early 40s-represent a younger, more progressive approach than we’ve seen in Atlanta in recent years.
Hefner, for instance, is known for his analytical approach to pitching, while Richardson brings a sharp mind for base running and outfield play. Mansolino and Martinez both carry reputations as strong communicators with player development chops. This isn’t just a facelift-it’s a philosophical shift, blending veteran leadership with fresh perspectives.
For Weiss, that balance is key. He knows the clubhouse, he knows the culture, and now he’s surrounded by a staff that can help bridge the gap between traditional baseball instincts and the data-driven game of today.
Of course, the road back to October won’t be easy. The NL East is no joke, especially with the Phillies continuing to flex their postseason muscle.
But the Braves still have a core that’s built to win-assuming health is on their side. Weiss inherits a roster with talent, depth, and unfinished business.
The energy around the team feels different. There’s a sense of urgency, but also optimism. Weiss brings a calm, confident presence to the dugout, and his familiarity with the players could be the glue that holds things together through the inevitable ups and downs of a long season.
In Atlanta, expectations don’t go away after one down year. They just get louder. And now, with Walt Weiss stepping into the spotlight, the Braves are hoping that a trusted voice can help them find their rhythm again.