UPDATE: The Atlanta Braves are facing a pivotal moment following the departure of manager Brian Snitker, as general manager Alex Anthopoulos confirmed on Saturday that he is ready to move quickly in finding Snitker’s successor. Despite the urgency, Anthopoulos stated that no interviews have yet taken place.
Snitker, who is 69 years old, announced earlier this week that he will not return after a successful 10-season tenure with the Braves, where he notably led the team to the 2021 World Series championship. While his decision was anticipated, Anthopoulos emphasized that he would not start compiling a candidate list until Snitker finalized his future plans.
When queried about what would have happened had Snitker chosen to continue managing for the 2026 season, Anthopoulos stated, “He would have been back. That’s why we were going to wait and give him the time he needed.”
The road ahead for the Braves is full of possibilities. Former Braves catcher David Ross, who is currently the bench coach for the Chicago Cubs, expressed his desire to manage again, stating, “An opportunity to manage the Braves would be amazing.”
Anthopoulos confirmed that the Braves do not currently have a candidate list but indicated he aims to focus on the managerial search shortly. “I will now turn my attention to the manager,” he said. “We have not spoken with anybody.”
Snitker will remain with the Braves in an advisory role and is set to be inducted into the team’s hall of fame next season. Anthopoulos revealed that he and Snitker reached an agreement for a five-year term as senior advisor, although this could evolve.
Two members of Snitker’s coaching staff, Walt Weiss and Fredi González, bring managerial experience, with Weiss having formerly managed the Colorado Rockies and González managing both the Braves and the Miami Marlins. Speculation is also swirling around potential candidates like former Braves infielder Mark DeRosa and Cubs bench coach Ryan Flaherty.
The landscape of Major League Baseball is shifting, with Skip Schumaker recently named manager of the Texas Rangers, reducing the pool of available candidates. Anthopoulos commented on the competitive nature of the current job openings, noting, “Before Skip Schumaker was named, there were eight openings. That’s a lot of openings. It makes it incredibly challenging.”
The timeline for hiring Snitker’s replacement remains critical as Anthopoulos indicated that the urgency is amplified by the number of vacancies. “Of course as soon as possible with so many openings,” he stated. “You can’t just rush it or force it. You’d love to be able to do it sooner than later.”
As the Braves seek to fill this crucial role, Snitker leaves behind a legacy with a record of 811-688 and seven postseason appearances, including six NL East titles, ranking third in franchise history for wins behind Bobby Cox and Frank Selee.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the Braves embark on this vital search. The urgency is palpable, and the outcome will undoubtedly shape the future of the franchise.
