"After being basically known for being a team that hit way too many groundballs over the last couple of seasons, former Nationals hitting coach Darnell Coles, a coach who emphasizes getting on top of the ball and hitting it up the middle, will be heading to the Atlanta Braves. Although he was the primary hitting coach for the Nationals for the last few seasons under Dave Martinez, Coles will be serving as the assistant to Tim Hyers in his new role."
"For Nationals fans, myself included, this news really could not be much better. Do not get me wrong here, I'm sure Darnell is a great guy, but his old-school approach to hitting was the complete opposite of what this team needed given the plethora of young talent. For guys like James Wood and Dylan Crews, who absolutely ooze star potential, they don't need to be taught about the importance of hitting grounders that ultimately kill rallies."
Paul Toboni and his front office continue assembling the Nationals' 2026 coaching staff around first-year manager Blake Butera. Other clubs are making hires, including a National League East rival acquiring former Nationals hitting coach Darnell Coles. Coles emphasizes getting on top of the ball and hitting up the middle and will join the Atlanta Braves as assistant to hitting coach Tim Hyers. The Nationals had an old-fashioned, groundball-heavy approach at the plate that conflicted with the offensive profile of young talents. James Wood struggled in the 2025 second half, and Coles was viewed as unable to help him break out.
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