The Atlanta Braves' parting ways with manager Brian Snitker was a difficult decision that appeared to be sparked by the lack of consistency, as well as his long tenure. Whether or not it was Snitker's decision is up for debate heading into the offseason; however, it is clear that the Braves might benefit from a change in leadership after an abysmal 2025 season.
This is in no way a shot at what has been an incredibly impressive career for the World Series Champion. Instead, it's about pointing out the stark reality that even the most accomplished managers find their messages or leadership styles growing stale, and having a fresh perspective might be beneficial to a struggling Atlanta roster.
With this in mind, it is fair to debate who has the most to gain in the current lineup from the change. When it comes to the players, no one has more power than Ronald Acuña Jr. While Snitker has always fought for the outfielder, there was an odd power dynamic that included the outfielder being benched for not hustling or being moved around in the lineup. No matter who the new manager is, the star outfielder will likely benefit the most from his ex-manager's role change.
Brian Snitker's Demotion Serves as a Chance for Ronald Acuña Jr. to Take New Leadership Role
The 2023 National League MVP is going to have tenure over the new manager, and in many ways, this offers a higher level of power. Snitker has known Acuña since he was a kid, first making his debut with the Braves back in 2018. Add in nearly five decades with the organization, and it is hard to argue against the decisions that Snitker made from a player's perspective, while fans weren't shy in questioning the 69-year-old bench boss.
Regardless, the point remains that the Braves' next manager won't have this level of history or power within the organization. Getting on the same page with your star player and meeting his wants and expectations should be near the top of his priority list.
Acuña is one of the MLB's best players, if not at the top of the list, leaving no question that the next manager will do what it takes to make him happy. It's possible that the five-time All-Star OF will have more say in his place in the lineup and how the organization handles management decisions moving forward.
Objectively, this isn't the worst development, with Atlanta needing to extend Acuña sooner rather than later. Finding a manager who is less hard-nosed on the team's star player could have its benefits when it comes to the long-term implications, leaving no question that if there is one player in the lineup who benefits from the change, it is No. 13.