Ex-Mets Coaches Jeremy Hefner, Antoan Richardson Join Braves Team
The Atlanta Braves have announced significant additions to their coaching staff. Jeremy Hefner has joined the team as the new pitching coach. He spent the past six seasons in the same role with the New York Mets. Antoan Richardson will also be part of the Braves, serving as the first-base coach.
Coaching Staff Changes
The Braves confirmed these hires on Wednesday. They are filling out their staff under new manager Walt Weiss. Weiss was appointed on Monday after eight seasons as the bench coach under former manager Brian Snitker.
Jeremy Hefner’s Background
Jeremy Hefner, 39, has a proven track record. During his tenure with the Mets, the team attained the National League’s sixth-best ERA at 4.02. Hefner replaces Rick Kranitz, who held the same position for seven seasons. Kranitz was informed he would not be retained.
Throughout Hefner’s career, he witnessed the Mets’ pitchers allowing the fourth-fewest hits in the NL. Additionally, the team achieved six All-Star selections under his guidance. However, some Mets observers noted that Hefner was often seen as a scapegoat for the pitching struggles in recent years. He was ultimately let go following the season.
Antoan Richardson’s Experience
Antoan Richardson joins the Braves after two seasons as the Mets’ first-base coach. He also held responsibilities as the outfield coordinator and base-running instructor. Under his guidance, the Mets led Major League Baseball with an impressive 89.1% success rate for stolen bases in 2025.
Richardson expressed interest in remaining with the Mets but could not reach an agreement. Before joining the Braves, he also explored other opportunities, including bench coach positions.
Additional Coaching Changes
- Tom Goodwin served as the Braves’ first-base coach and outfield/base-running instructor for the past two seasons but will not return.
- Fredi González, the previous third-base coach, has also been informed he will not be retained in any capacity.
These changes come as the Braves work to solidify their coaching team ahead of the upcoming season. The organization is optimistic about the contributions of Hefner and Richardson as they usher in a new era under Weiss’s leadership.
