The longtime bench coach wasted no time sharing what he admires most about the organization and president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos.
After a 33-day search that saw the Braves canvass the entire league, Weiss ultimately got the call he had been waiting for.
When asked about how Anthopoulos handled the hiring process, Weiss had a simple but telling response.
"I like the way Alex Anthopoulos operates," Weiss said.
What made the process unique was that even Weiss himself didn't know who else was being considered for the job.
Anthopoulos kept his cards so close to the vest that Weiss spent weeks wondering if he would even be in the running, let alone emerge as the final choice.
Weiss admitted he spent Monday morning looking at his phone every 35 to 40 seconds waiting for the call, not knowing what message he would receive.
"He works under the cover of darkness, man," Weiss said of Anthopoulos. "Nobody knows what he's doing and usually when he comes back up for air, he's got some surprises."
A New Chapter Following a Disappointing Season
The Braves finished the 2025 season with a 76-86 record, their first losing season since 2017 and a major step back from a franchise that had made seven straight playoff appearances under former manager Brian Snitker.
Despite the disappointing finish, Atlanta still boasts a talented core that includes former MVP Ronald Acuña Jr., first baseman Matt Olson, third baseman Austin Riley, and ace Chris Sale.
The emergence of NL Rookie of the Year Drake Baldwin behind the plate gives the club reason for optimism heading into 2026.
Weiss has been part of the Braves organization since 2018 and was on the coaching staff when they won the World Series in 2021.
He played the final three years of his 14-year playing career in Atlanta, giving him deep roots with the franchise.
Braves' Offseason Plans Take Shape
With the manager position now settled, Anthopoulos can turn his full attention to improving the roster.
The Braves are facing several key decisions this offseason after losing shortstop Ha-Seong Kim to free agency when he opted out of his contract.
Anthopoulos has indicated the team is open to signing a free agent who rejected a qualifying offer, which would cost them their compensatory first-round pick.
That extra pick came courtesy of Baldwin winning Rookie of the Year.
"Right player, right deal, we're very open to it," Anthopoulos said.
The Braves are expected to focus on starting pitching depth and finding a solution at shortstop while also determining the future of designated hitter Marcell Ozuna, who is now a free agent. With Spencer Strider set to return from injury and Spencer Schwellenbach establishing himself as a reliable arm, the rotation already has pieces in place.
Weiss Ready to Hit the Ground Running
The 61-year-old Weiss brings nearly 650 games of managerial experience from his time with the Colorado Rockies, along with eight years as Snitker's right-hand man in Atlanta.
He emphasized that his familiarity with the roster gives him a significant advantage.
"It takes a better part of a year to truly understand your team," Weiss said. "I'm talking about getting to know them on a deep level. What makes them tick? What situations do they thrive in, even down to their body language? I think the fact that I've been here, a lot of those things are already established."
Anthopoulos made it clear what the expectations are moving forward, noting that making the playoffs is simply the standard in Atlanta and the team expects to be there year in and year out.