As we head closer to Stage 2 of this season’s Overwatch League, some major changes just took place as teams scramble to fill in gaps, revamp their lineup and aim for better results. There were management-level shuffling as well, including the departure of a much-loved player-turned-coach and tweaks amongst mid-tier teams.

First up, and easily the biggest move so far sees former San Francisco Shock DPS, Andrej “babybay” Francisty leaving for the Atlanta Reign.

Every kingdom needs a king and today marks the beginning of a new reign, welcome @KING_BABYBAY to your Atlanta Reign – ESKETITTT! #LetItReign pic.twitter.com/1rAgFWCRtJ

— Atlanta Reign (@ATLReign) April 2, 2019

Clearly a move to fill the gap left by Dafran who retired from playing a few weeks back, Babybay’s addition may indicate Reign’s intentions in the upcoming meta. This may signal the welcomed end to the GOATs meta, as Babybay is best known for his hitscan heroes.

Another big move involves Dallas Fuel and Boston Uprising who traded flex tanks; trading Richard “rCk” Kanerva for Uprising’s Lucas “NotE” Meissner. This trade leaves only Kristian “Kellex” Keller and Min-seok “AimGod” Kwon as the remaining two members from last season’s squad which went unbeaten in Stage 3.

Please welcome our new Flex Tank – NotE!

He joins us from the @BostonUprising in a trade for @rCk_ow. Both players will be eligible to in Stage 2.

Be sure to give @NotEvenBleu a follow, and good luck to rCk on Boston! pic.twitter.com/FvFtuRsyYB

— Dallas Fuel (@DallasFuel) April 2, 2019

As for coaches movements, here’s a quick rundown:

• Paris Eternal Head Coach, Julien “daemoN” Ducros has stepped down from his position.
• Washington Justice part ways with coach, Mark “Obasill” Regush.
• Toronto Defiant part ways with strategic coach Dong-wook “Don” Kim

However, the biggest story is the departure of former EnVyUs and Dallas Fuel main tank-turned coach, Christian “cocco” Jonsson from his coaching position. No mention of his next project at the time of writing.

Thank you @cocco. For everything.

You’ll always be a welcome member of our family and we know you’ll be great in whatever you pursue next.#BurnBlue pic.twitter.com/ii8iehwSUu

— Dallas Fuel (@DallasFuel) April 2, 2019

While some of these moves are essential as teams sought to turn their fortunes around as the season progresses, some are more situational, as to anticipate the post-GOATs meta. You’d also notice that all these moves involve mid to lower-tiered teams who have struggled the most in Stage 1. The better ones? We are confident that the likes of the NYXL, Titans and SF Shock have more in their arsenal; don’t forget – we are yet to witness the greatness of players such as Pine, Flow3r, Saebyeolbe and Stich in Season 2 of the Overwatch League.

Stage 2 of this season’s Overwatch League kicks off this Friday with a banger as the Philly Fusion takes on the NYXL.