For the most part, Atlanta Braves fans rejoiced when it was revealed……
Most Atlanta Braves fans welcomed the news that Chip Caray was leaving the broadcast booth, replaced by Brandon Gaudin. Many were eager for a change, as Caray’s style had grown stale. Gaudin’s previous experience with national broadcasts, particularly in football and Georgia Tech games, earned him a positive reception.
Overall, the new broadcast team seems to be working well. Gaudin comes well-prepared, and newcomer CJ Nitkowski offers insightful commentary that’s easy for viewers to understand. Joe Simpson, once difficult to listen to on TV alongside Caray, has transitioned smoothly to radio. Jeff Francoeur, meanwhile, has mostly taken the season off to focus on family and support Ronald Acuña Jr.
Despite this noticeable improvement, the Braves’ broadcast ranked only 13th in Awful Announcing’s 2025 MLB broadcaster poll. While this places them in the upper half, the ranking feels somewhat unfair, especially compared to some teams ranked higher.
The drop from last year’s ranking may be partly due to Atlanta’s rough season, which likely reduced fan voting participation. The Padres booth, led by Don Orsillo, deservedly took the top spot, but it’s harder to understand the high ranking of the Mets’ booth, given the general unpopularity of Keith Hernandez’s lengthy commentary.
While teams like the Giants, Blue Jays, and Cubs, all with highly respected broadcast teams, deserved to be ahead, it’s surprising to see younger or less established broadcasts like the Orioles and Angels ranked above the Braves.
Gaudin did receive recognition as Georgia Sportscaster of the Year, a positive note amid mixed feedback. Hopefully, more Braves fans will participate in next year’s voting to reflect the significant progress made by the team’s broadcast crew.
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