The Hot Corner Carousel: Meet Tommy Watkins, The Atlanta Braves' New 3rd Base Coach For 2025

The Atlanta Braves' 3rd base coaching position has become one of the most scrutinized and rapidly changing roles in Major League Baseball, culminating in the hiring of a new face for the 2025 season. As of late December 2025, the man tasked with navigating the high-stakes decisions at the hot corner is veteran coach Tommy Watkins, who brings a lifetime of experience with the Minnesota Twins organization to the National League powerhouse. His appointment is the final piece of a significant coaching staff overhaul designed to recalibrate the team after a disappointing finish to the previous season, marking the end of a tumultuous carousel of coaches since the departure of a beloved figure.

Watkins steps into a role that has seen three different occupants in less than a year, following the end of the long and cherished tenure of Ron Washington. The pressure is immense, as the 3rd base coach's decisions—to send a runner home or hold them up—can instantly change the momentum of a game and are often the subject of intense fan and media debate. The Braves are betting that Watkins' deep organizational experience and calm demeanor will bring much-needed stability to a critical position on the field.

Tommy Watkins: A Deep Dive into the Braves' New 3rd Base Maestro

Tommy Watkins is not a newcomer to the pressures of a Major League dugout, having spent his entire professional career with one organization before joining the Braves. His journey from player to coach is a testament to his dedication and baseball acumen, providing him with a unique perspective on the game's nuances.

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• Full Name: Thomas Gray Watkins
• Born: June 18, 1980, in Fort Myers, Florida
• Playing Career: Drafted by the Minnesota Twins in 1998. Primarily an infielder, he played one season in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Twins in 2007.
• Coaching History (Twins Organization): Watkins spent nearly two decades with the Twins, transitioning from a player to a coach and manager in their minor league system.
• Minor League Management: Managed the Single-A Cedar Rapids Kernels and the Double-A Chattanooga Lookouts, where he oversaw the development of several future MLB players.
• Major League Coaching Role (Twins): Served as the Twins' 3rd Base and Outfield Coach for several seasons, gaining extensive experience in the exact role he now holds with Atlanta.
• New Role with Braves: 3rd Base Coach, part of the new coaching staff assembled by the Atlanta Braves for the 2025 season.

The Instability at the Hot Corner: From "Wash" to Watkins

The transition at 3rd base has been the most volatile storyline surrounding the Braves' coaching staff in recent memory. For years, the position was anchored by the beloved and highly respected Ron Washington, affectionately known as "Wash."

Ron Washington's Legacy and Departure

Washington served as the Braves' 3rd base coach from 2017 through the 2023 season, becoming an iconic figure in the dugout. His aggressive, high-energy style was a hallmark of the team's baserunning philosophy, contributing significantly to their 2021 World Series championship run. Washington's departure to take the managerial job with the Los Angeles Angels (initially reported as the San Francisco Giants, but ultimately the Angels) left a massive void in the clubhouse and on the field.

The Brief, Tumultuous Interregnums

The Braves’ front office, led by President of Baseball Operations Alex Anthopoulos, attempted to fill the role, but stability proved elusive:

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1. Matt Tuiasosopo: Initially hired to replace Washington, Tuiasosopo was promoted after managing the Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers. His tenure was brief, as the team struggled with baserunning decisions. He was reassigned to a minor league position mid-season.
2. Fredi González: In a surprising move, former Braves manager Fredi González was named the "acting 3rd base coach" in June. González, who had previously managed the Braves from 2011 to 2016 and served as the 3rd base coach before that, provided a veteran presence. However, this was explicitly a temporary assignment, and he was not retained for the 2025 season.

The rapid turnover highlighted the difficulty of replacing a legend like Washington and the inherent pressure of the position. This instability was a major factor in the team's decision to conduct a sweeping coaching staff overhaul following the season, which included bringing in a new manager, Walt Weiss, and several new faces.

Watkins' Coaching Philosophy and the High-Stakes Role

The primary question surrounding Tommy Watkins is what style of 3rd base coaching he will bring to the Braves. The 3rd base coach is often called the "traffic cop" of the basepaths, responsible for split-second decisions that can directly lead to runs scored or rally-killing outs. The team's baserunning efficiency will be a major storyline in the 2025 season.

Experience Over Aggression

While Ron Washington was known for his aggressive, "send 'em home" mentality, Watkins' reputation is built on consistency and a deep understanding of player development, honed during his long tenure with the Minnesota Twins. He served as the Twins' 3rd base coach, a role that demands a balance of risk and reward. His background as a minor league manager means he is deeply familiar with the fundamentals and the importance of teaching players to read the game.

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Watkins' style is expected to be more measured than Washington's, prioritizing high-percentage scoring opportunities while still being prepared to take calculated risks. This approach could be a necessary change for a Braves team that relies heavily on its star-studded offense, featuring players like Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson, and Austin Riley, where a smart, analytical approach to baserunning can maximize their potent lineup.

Part of a Major Staff Overhaul

Watkins is joining a completely revamped staff under new manager Walt Weiss, indicating a fresh start for the organization. Other key hires for the 2025 season include:

• Bench Coach: Tony Mansolino
• Pitching Coach: Jeremy Hefner (replacing Rick Kranitz)
• First Base Coach: Antoan Richardson (replacing Tom Goodwin)
• Assistant Hitting Coach: Darnell Coles

This new collective, including Watkins, is tasked with maintaining the Braves' offensive dominance while improving the team's overall execution and defensive positioning. The success of the 2025 season will heavily depend on how quickly this new staff can gel and implement a cohesive strategy, with Watkins' decisions at 3rd base remaining a focal point.

The Road Ahead: Pressure on the New Coach

For Tommy Watkins, the move to Atlanta is a significant step in his career, transitioning from a lifelong role with the Twins to a high-pressure job with a perennial contender. The shadow of Ron Washington's legacy is long, and the recent instability only amplifies the scrutiny. Braves fans expect a return to World Series form, and the decisions made from the 3rd base box will be under a microscope from Opening Day.

Watkins' immediate challenge will be to establish clear communication and trust with the Braves' core players, ensuring they understand his signs and baserunning philosophy. If he can bring consistency and smart, disciplined decision-making to the hot corner, he will quickly earn the respect of the Truist Park faithful and help solidify the new era of Braves baseball under the leadership of Walt Weiss and Alex Anthopoulos. The journey to the Postseason often involves a handful of critical baserunning decisions, and for the 2025 Braves, those decisions now rest squarely with Tommy Watkins.