Braves add ex‑Mets Jeremy Hefner, Antoan Richardson to staff

The Atlanta Braves have shaken up their major-league coaching staff, bringing in two respected names to fuel another championship run. Former New York Mets pitching coach Jeremy Hefner and ex-San Francisco Giants first-base coach Antoan Richardson join manager Brian Snitker’s team.

This move aims to blend some fresh thinking with what’s already working. Both hires show the Braves want to keep adapting in a tough National League while holding onto their winning culture.

Jeremy Hefner Takes Over as Braves Pitching Coach

The Braves have appointed Jeremy Hefner as their new pitching coach. Hefner steps in for Rick Kranitz, who guided Atlanta’s pitchers since 2019.

Under Kranitz, Atlanta made several deep postseason runs. Still, the front office decided it was time for a new approach to keep up with the latest trends in player development.

Blending Analytics with Traditional Coaching

Hefner stands out for mixing new-school analytics with old-school pitching know-how. While with the Mets, he earned praise for using data to boost pitcher performance, but he never lost sight of the basics.

His approach works for both seasoned pitchers and younger guys curious about advanced stats. The Braves’ pitching staff, already one of the toughest in baseball, could really benefit from what Hefner brings.

He’ll likely refine in-game strategy, help manage pitcher workloads, and add deeper analytical insights to scouting reports. That’s the hope, anyway.

Antoan Richardson Joins as Key Coaching Voice

On the position-player side, the Braves have hired Antoan Richardson, who was most recently the first-base coach for the San Francisco Giants. Richardson, a former big-league outfielder himself, has a great reputation for communication and mentoring younger players.

From Player Development to Game-Day Execution

Richardson connects well with athletes from all backgrounds. His experience in player development fits the Braves’ focus on growing young talent while still getting the most out of their veterans.

He’s expected to help with base-running, defense, and, maybe just as importantly, keeping the clubhouse tight. Richardson’s mix of on-field and off-field experience should offer strategic input and help build team chemistry for the grind ahead.

Atlanta’s Broader Strategic Shift

This isn’t just about filling spots on the staff. General manager Alex Anthopoulos praised both hires for their experience, energy, and cultural fit.

With Atlanta’s recent postseason runs and steady division wins, the team wants every edge it can get to stay on top in the National League.

Keeping Pace in a Changing League

The NL keeps changing fast, with teams pouring resources into coaching and support. By bringing in new voices, the Braves show they know baseball success depends on innovation as much as raw talent.

Hefner’s data-driven style and Richardson’s people skills could offer just the right mix of strategy and leadership. Honestly, it feels like a smart, if slightly bold, move for a club that’s not content to stand still.

Looking Ahead to the 2024 Season

Spring training’s almost here, and the buzz around the Braves’ camp is impossible to ignore. Everyone’s curious to see how Hefner’s pitching ideas and Richardson’s fresh approach will shake things up.

The Braves already have one of the deepest rosters in baseball. These coaching hires might be the secret sauce that pushes a good season into something unforgettable.

Fans should expect a blend of what’s worked before and some bold new ideas—honestly, that’s what you want from a team chasing another shot at the crown.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Ex-Mets coaches join Weiss’ new Braves staff