As the Atlanta Braves are now officially in offseason mode, the biggest question currently facing the franchise is the future of manager Brian Snitker. It has been speculated throughout the 2025 season that this would be the final year for the aging manager. However, no decision has been made as of yet, leading to players being asked about whether or not they want to see Snitker back in an Atlanta uniform. Braves insider Mark Bowman reported Chris Sale's answer to the question, with a fitting response from the lefty.
"Absolutely. We didn't have a celebratory sendoff for him. So, he can't go."Chris Sale
This is a fitting response from an accomplished player who understands what it means to have Snitker's history with the organization. Sending the manager out with zero fanfare in a lost year feels wrong. Even if there is an argument that the franchise would be better off turning the page, this is understandably Snitker's decision to make. Atlanta shouldn't even consider forcing the aging manager out based on one failed season.
Braves Should be Patient with Brian Snitker's Pending 2026 Decision
While Snitker is far from perfect, this season's failure is a product of injuries and poor roster construction. There is no reason to move away from the manager if he is willing to return, and Sale's comments hit the mark exactly. Looking at potential replacement options is a wise approach, but they should only be utilized if the Braves are certain that Snitker isn't planning to return.
It seems that a decision hasn't been made, with it being made far more difficult by the fact that the 2025 season was viewed as such a failure. There seems to be a clearer path for Snitker to walk away if Atlanta had played in the postseason or been anything close to a capable team.
After spending nearly five decades with Atlanta's organization, dating back to his days as a player, there would be an understandable angst in walking away with this level of failure. His legacy is forever cemented, having won a World Series in the 2021 season, but that won't make it easy to walk away after a season like this.
Perhaps this is a piece of Sale's comment as well, understanding the need to at least honor such a long-term piece of the organization. Coming back for a farewell tour in 2026, believing that a healthy roster will give you a chance to get back on top, might allow for a much more fitting sendoff.