The Atlanta Braves will have at least one important piece on the 2025 All-Star roster. Manager Brian Snitker has been named to the coaching staff, with Dave Roberts leading the way as the defending World Series champion. The duo will be joined by the Miami Marlins manager, Clayton McCullough.
While this might seem odd at first glance, it is important to remember that the current Miami manager was given his start with the Los Angeles Dodgers, winning last year's World Series as a member of Dave Roberts' staff. With this in mind, Brian Snitker is a bit of an outlier when you look at Atlanta's record and recent postseason frustrations.
Naming Brian Snitker to the staff doesn't happen if the game isn't being held in Atlanta. This obviously lends itself to Roberts asking the home manager to be a part of the staff. It helps matters that Snitker is an accomplished veteran who many speculate is entering the final year of his time in the league.
This isn't only based on the team's struggles, but an expectation that the aging manager is ready to enter a new chapter. With this in mind, the honor makes sense even if not every Braves fan is going to love the decision.
Braves Manager Brian Snitker Was Named to All-Star Coaching Staff
The National League All-Stars will be coached by Dave Roberts, Brian Snitker, and Clayton McCullough ⭐️ https://t.co/MWXdsDFszq pic.twitter.com/8F961GqspD
— MLB (@MLB) June 17, 2025
This helps explain the decision, as does the presence of the Miami Manager. Even with the history on the staff of Dave Roberts, you're still adding leadership from one of the worst clubs in the National League. It helps take any concern away from Snitker and shows that the moves Roberts made were about looking out for his coaching tree and honoring a manager who could be entering his last season. Add in the fact that it is being hosted in Atlanta, and these two factors combined explain why Roberts made the addition.
Still, some fans may not love the decision, given how frustrating Snitker has been at times this season. While a large portion of the blame belongs on cheap ownership and a stumbling front office, Snitker has made matters worse. Whether it was the regrettable Jarred Kelenic situation or opting to continue to refuse to demote Raisel Iglesias, the manager has been far from perfect. However, there is no question that this is still the right decision.
Snitker is a World Series winner and has given everything to Atlanta's organization. Even as frustrating as the manager might be at times, there is no other path than giving the veteran the honor. Despite the odd timing, it was the right decision.