After four consecutive NL East titles and now a World Series trophy, The Braves made the no-brainer decision to pick up Brian Snitker‘s option for 2024 today.
Snitker’s been given a lot of flack over the years by Braves country — me included. Now, not all of it was unwarranted, but what he did in 2021 was nothing short of incredible. Keeping the team together throughout the season, despite everything the Braves went through, should have been enough to earn him Manager of the Year consideration, but that pales in comparison to what he was able to accomplish in the postseason.
In my opinion, managing really only has a substantial impact in the playoffs. It’s a totally different game, and every move is under a microscope. In the past, Snitker has made some head-scratching decisions in the postseason, but not this time. He was perfect. I don’t think there was one decision that I can look back on and say, “Wow, that was egregious,” but there are several where I can admit, “Brian Snitker, you are a genius.” The longest-tenured member of the Braves organization was just as responsible for this championship as any player on the team, and he should be allowed to manage in Atlanta until he decides to hang it up.
More must-reads: