Chipper Jones is returning to the Braves coaching staff in 2023 as a hitting consultant, which is the same role he had during the team’s World Series run in 2021, according to The Athletic’s David O’Brien.
Not official yet, but #Braves are expecting to have Chipper Jones back as an hitting consultant this season, same role he had in 2021. The Hall of Famer wasn't on the staff last year due to the vaccination mandate for all coaches.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) February 13, 2023
After spending his entire career in Atlanta, becoming one of the greatest third basemen in history, Chipper Jones continues to give to the organization. His most notable work has been with Austin Riley, who has become one of the most feared hitters in the game.
In his first 14 major league games, the Mississippi native mashed seven home runs with a .375 average. It sparked mass hysteria in Braves Country, but it came to a screeching halt. Over his next 66 games, he hit just .188 with 11 home runs. However, in his first season with Chipper, Austin Riley realized all of that potential in 2021, finishing 6th in the NL MVP race. In an interview with Trey Sikes, owner of CamWoodBats, Jones recently talked about what changed:
Chipper Jones made this simple adjustment to unlock Austin Riley as a hitter… pic.twitter.com/sadeBXbDTB
— CamWood Bats (@CamWoodBats) January 31, 2023
Austin Riley might be the first Braves third baseman to win an MVP since Chipper Jones. He’s become one of the best hitters in the game, and it’s no coincidence working with a Hall of Famer was where Riley began to establish that reputation. It’s great to have Larry Jones back with the Braves.
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