The Atlanta Braves are facing a manager search for the first time in many years. The team may choose to take a different route than usual. However, it was expected that Brian Snitker would not return as manager in 2026 since he was on an expiring contract.
“Because of that consistent recent success, Snit would normally be afforded a ‘mulligan’ year—even though going from the second-best preseason World Series odds to possibly the third-best odds of winning the draft lottery is a pretty serious mulligan,” Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller wrote. “At 69, though, he’s already the oldest manager in the National League by a several-year margin and was likely to retire at the end of this season, which is the last one in his current contract.”
As the season wound down, Snitker left some uncertainty about whether he would return, but he ultimately made it official with an announcement.
“Brian Snitker will not return as manager of the Atlanta Braves, sources tell ESPN. He informed the team of his decision yesterday. But he will remain with the organization in a senior advisory capacity,” ESPN’s Jeff Passan posted.
One of the top candidates for the Braves job is David Ross, though his winning record is somewhat questionable.
“Lack of a winning track record, Ross led the Cubs to a playoff berth during the COVID-shortened season to start his career. That’s it. He had another winning record in his final season, but they just missed out on playoff action,” SI’s Harrison Smajovits wrote. “It doesn’t necessarily mean he’s responsible for all the losing, but you share some blame when it happens under your watch. How he went about his duties in Chicago hasn’t stopped him from being a top candidate for the position, so this isn’t a deal-breaking downside.”
Ross is one of the biggest names on the market, and it seems Atlanta is leaning toward him. While he hasn’t had overwhelming success, the Braves have a veteran core that understands what it takes to win.
After a disappointing season, the Braves will be hungry to improve. In Atlanta, Ross has the opportunity to become a winner and put all that noise behind him.
