Full Breakdown
Coaching Changes Signal New Directions for Minnesota Twins and Atlanta Braves
11/12/2025, 9:19:23 PM
Minnesota Twins' Coaching Overhaul
The Minnesota Twins are undergoing significant changes in their coaching staff under new manager Derek Shelton. Recently, LaTroy Hawkins was appointed as the new bullpen coach, while Pete Maki will continue in his role as pitching coach. This decision aims to maintain some continuity amid a broader restructuring of the coaching team. Notably, longtime assistant Tommy Watkins has departed to join the Atlanta Braves, marking the end of a 27-year tenure with the Twins.
The Twins' pitching staff, once regarded as one of the best in baseball, faced challenges in the previous season due to injuries and underperformance from key pitchers like Pablo López and Bailey Ober. Additionally, the bullpen was further weakened by trades at the deadline, which included the departure of Jhoan Duran and others. As the Twins look ahead to the 2024 season, the future of several other coaches remains uncertain, including the trio of hitting coaches hired just a year ago.
Atlanta Braves' New Coaching Staff
In contrast, the Atlanta Braves have announced a complete overhaul of their coaching staff for the 2026 season under new manager Walt Weiss. Weiss, who previously served as the bench coach, has retained only two coaches, Tim Hyers and Eddie Perez, while bringing in eight new members. Notably, Tommy Watkins will take on the role of third-base coach after leaving the Twins, while Jeremy Hefner has been appointed as the pitching coach.
The Braves finished the previous season with a disappointing 76-86 record, marking their first under-.500 finish since 2017. The coaching changes reflect a desire to revitalize the team and improve performance after missing the postseason. The Braves are also expected to increase payroll this offseason, potentially providing the new coaching staff with more resources to work with.
Impact and Future Considerations
Both teams are at critical junctures as they navigate their respective coaching changes. For the Twins, the restructuring raises questions about their competitive strategy and roster stability, particularly concerning star player Byron Buxton. Buxton has expressed a desire to remain with the Twins but may reconsider if the team continues to break up its roster. President of Baseball Operations Derek Falvey has emphasized his commitment to building a competitive team around Buxton and other key players.
Meanwhile, the Braves' coaching shake-up aims to foster a fresh start and improve team dynamics. The addition of experienced coaches like Watkins and Hefner is intended to enhance player development and performance on the field.
Official Statements & Responses
Derek Falvey stated, “I remain personally committed to figuring out what are the ways we can add to this group to make it better,” highlighting the Twins' focus on roster improvement. In contrast, Walt Weiss expressed optimism about the new coaching staff, indicating a fresh approach to team management.
Verbatim Quotes
- “With Shelty coming in, you can already tell there’s a little bit of fresh ideas brewing around how do we make the team the best it can be no matter who’s on the roster at that moment in time.” — Derek Falvey, President of Baseball Operations, Minnesota Twins
- “It's a new era full of new faces on the coaching side around the clubhouse.” — Walt Weiss, Manager, Atlanta Braves
As both teams prepare for the upcoming season, the effectiveness of these coaching changes will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike.
