New manager to lead Columbus Clingstones in 2nd season at Synovus Park

Nestor Perez takes over as manager of the Atlanta Braves' Double-A affiliate after previous stint with the organization.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Columbus Clingstones, the Class AA minor league baseball affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, have announced their coaching staff for the 2026 season. Nestor Perez will take over as the team's new manager, replacing Cody Gabella who led the Clingstones to a 58-77 record in their inaugural 2025 season. The rest of the coaching staff, including pitching coach Mike Steed, hitting coach Grant Kay, and coach Francisco Diaz, will return for the Clingstones' second season at Synovus Park.

Why it matters

The Clingstones are looking to build on their first season in Columbus and make a push for the playoffs in the Southern League. Perez brings extensive experience managing in the Braves' minor league system, including leading the Florida Complex League Braves to a championship in 2023.

The details

Nestor Perez, 49, enters his 10th season as a manager in the Braves organization. He most recently managed the rookie-level Florida Complex League Braves from 2023-25. As bench coach for Double-A Mississippi in 2021, Perez received the Bobby Cox Award, presented annually to the person the Braves consider to be the best representative of top performance in their minor league system. Pitching coach Mike Steed returns for his fifth year coaching in the Braves organization, while hitting coach Grant Kay and coach Francisco Diaz are back for their third consecutive seasons with the Clingstones.

  • The Clingstones will start their second season on April 3, 2026 at Synovus Park.
  • Nestor Perez managed the Florida Complex League Braves from 2023-2025.

The players

Nestor Perez

The new manager of the Columbus Clingstones, Perez enters his 10th season as a manager in the Braves organization. He most recently managed the rookie-level Florida Complex League Braves from 2023-2025.

Cody Gabella

The Clingstones' first manager, who led the team to a 58-77 record in their inaugural 2025 season. Gabella will manage the Florida Complex League Braves this season.

Mike Steed

The Clingstones' pitching coach, returning for his fifth year coaching in the Braves organization.

Grant Kay

The Clingstones' hitting coach, entering his third season in the Braves organization after making his coaching debut in the Florida Complex League in 2024.

Francisco Diaz

The Clingstones' coach, returning for his third consecutive season coaching the Braves' Double-A affiliate.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The Clingstones are looking to build on their inaugural season in Columbus and make a push for the playoffs in the Southern League under new manager Nestor Perez, who brings extensive experience in the Braves' minor league system.