There are currently three openings on Atlanta’s normally stable major league coaching staff as a result of this season’s higher-than-normal turnover.
After a lengthy tenure in college baseball, French, 39, made his Major League Baseball coaching debut in 2016 with the Houston Astros. His tenure in their minor league system culminated in 2019 when he was hired by the AAA Round Rock Express (now the Sugar Land Space Cowboys) as pitching coach.
French became the bullpen coach for the Braves in December 2020 after moving to Atlanta. He was in charge of the Braves relievers and managed the “Night Shift” bullpen, which was crucial to Atlanta’s 2021 World Series win over the Houston Astros.
Under his guidance, Atlanta has made trades for struggling relievers (Pierce Johnson), signed former major leaguer Tyler Matzek, and successfully recovered injured pitchers (Kirby Yates).
He has connections with the Baltimore Orioles, as well, as several of their front office officials were with the Astros during his time with the organization.
This brings the total of coaching spots open on manager Brian Snitker’s staff to three, after third base coach Ron Washington was hired as the new manager of the Los Angeles Angels and tapped first base coach Eric Young Sr. as one of his first hires.
Atlanta’s stated policy on coaching hires, per President of Baseball Operations Alex Anthopoulos, is that the organization would never block existing personnel from interviewing for a promotion with another organization, but turnover amongst the major league staff has still been rare during Snitker’s tenure.
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