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Braves Nab Mets Coach for Base Running Boost
20 Mar
Summary
- New Braves coach Antoan Richardson previously coached for the Mets.
- Richardson significantly improved Juan Soto's baserunning last season.
- The Braves ranked 27th in stolen bases last season.
The Atlanta Braves have secured a key offseason addition in Antoan Richardson, their new first base coach, who arrives from the New York Mets. Despite the Mets' interest in retaining him, Richardson accepted Atlanta's offer, signaling a potential turning point for the Braves.
Richardson's coaching prowess in developing baserunners is well-documented. ESPN highlighted his work with Juan Soto, who significantly improved his stolen base success under Richardson's guidance last season. Soto's swipe of 38 bases against only four times caught stealing is a testament to this effective tutelage.
The Braves organization is particularly keen to leverage Richardson's expertise, as the team struggled with stolen bases, ranking 27th last season. With an offense heavily reliant on home runs, accounting for 47% of their run production over the past three seasons, the Braves seek greater diversity. Coach Walt Weiss expressed optimism that Richardson's arrival will lead to improved baserunning and a more dynamic offensive approach.
