When Brian Snitker was announced as the interim manager of the Atlanta Braves in 2016, there was little expectation for him to secure the job for the long run. With a coaching career spent in the minor leagues outside of a stint as the Braves' third base coach from 2007-2013, many felt the role might be too big for him. Ten seasons later, no one can argue against Snitker’s place in Braves history.
During his tenure with Atlanta, Snitker has led the Braves to a 788-650 overall record, including leading the team to seven straight postseasons, highlighted by the 2021 World Series Championship against the Houston Astros. There is no doubt Snitker has made his mark on the Major League level; however, this season has seen a dramatic falloff with the team currently in fourth place in the NL East, sporting a 53-68 record, fifth worst in Major League Baseball.
With his contract expiring at the end of the season, the 69-year-old could be looking at another role next season if he is still with the organization.
Brian Snitker May Be Entering the Final Stretch of His Braves Tenure
As the 2025 season winds down, Snitker is running out of time to show the Braves front office he is the right man to take the team back to the playoffs next season, if he even wants the job. For months, there has been speculation of Snitker’s retirement at the end of the season; however, with the troubles the team has found itself in this season, that decision may not be entirely up to him.
Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos is in a good position with Snitker's contract, allowing him the opportunity to simply not renew the deal, as opposed to firing the beloved World Series-winning manager. Speculation has already begun as to who Anthopoulos will choose to replace Snitker in the manager role, with The Sporting News floating former Brave Mark DeRosa, as well as Skip Schumaker, familiar to Braves fans from his tenure as manager of the division rival Miami Marlins.
With Anthopoulos unlikely to make any move before the contract expires at the end of the season, expect all eyes to be on Atlanta this winter as big decisions will have to be made that will significantly impact the Braves' future.