The Atlanta Braves have made strategic moves early in the offseason, aiming to reclaim the NL East title from the Philadelphia Phillies.
While the Phillies were left reeling after an earlier-than-hoped end to their season, marked by disappointment, the offseason has officially begun as the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees in the World Series. Now, teams are left to analyze their shortcomings and plan for a stronger campaign in 2025.
For the Phillies, introspection is essential, potentially leading to significant roster adjustments to ensure a consistent World Series contender. Despite mixed reactions from fans, the team announced that their coaching staff will remain intact for 2025, with manager Rob Thomson extended through 2026.
Meanwhile, the Braves have already made waves by hiring Tim Hyers as their new hitting coach. Hyers, who previously helped lead the Texas Rangers’ offense during their 2023 World Series win, replaces Kevin Seitzer, who had held the position since 2015. This move comes after Atlanta’s power slump in 2024, when they hit only 213 home runs compared to a record-tying 307 the previous year. The loss of key players, including Ronald Acuña Jr., contributed to their struggles, but the team felt a shift was necessary.
The Phillies, despite their recent success over the Braves, should take note of Atlanta’s proactive approach. The NL East battle in 2025 promises to be fierce, especially with teams like the New York Mets poised to challenge further, as demonstrated by their NLDS victory over Philadelphia.
Phillies managing partner John Middleton indicated a willingness to raise the payroll to secure impactful players, signaling the potential for big-name acquisitions, such as Juan Soto. Middleton emphasized that the player payroll is expected to increase, aligning with the team’s aim to position themselves as one of the elite teams of the era.
The Phillies’ decision to keep their coaching staff shows faith in their leadership, but they must also be ready to make bold moves in pursuit of a historic 2025 season.
