Atlanta Braves Lose 3 Players After Brian Snitker Move

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Oct 2, 2025 4:23 PM ET

The Atlanta Braves finished off the regular season strong, yet still missed the MLB playoffs for the first time since 2017 after finishing with a 76–86 record.

Moments after the season ended, the uncertainty of manager Brian Snitker’s future became apparent. Snitker has managed the Braves since taking over in May 2016 as interim manager. The 69-year-old skipper had expressed interest in returning as manager in 2026 to end his tenure on a more successful note. However, that will not be the case. He and Atlanta announced on Wednesday that his role with the organization will shift to an advisory position, officially concluding his ten-year run as manager.

Snitker has spent 49 years within the organization, and the team also shared he would be inducted into the Atlanta Braves Hall of Fame before a game next year.

Former Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker (43)© Brett Davis-Imagn Images

With the Braves undergoing change in an attempt to bounce back next year, the team announced five players would be outrighted to Triple-A off the 40-man roster after clearing waivers including: Alexis Diaz, Dane Dunning, Sandy Leon, Luke Williams and Jarred Kelenic.
While Leon and Williams accepted their options, three of the five players elected free agency a day later, including Diaz, Dunning and Kelenic.

"Díaz, Dunning and Kelenic elected free agency," wrote The Athletic's David O'Brien.

Díaz, Dunning and Kelenic elected free agency. https://t.co/MYFWLDLJoX
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) October 2, 2025

The longest-tenured of the three is Kelenic, who has been with Atlanta for the last two seasons. The 26-year-old outfielder was once a top prospect for the Seattle Mariners but never reached his potential at the big-league level. Kelenic will likely get another opportunity elsewhere, yet his time may be winding down. Over 155 games for the Braves, Kelenic posted a .222 batting average, .279 on-base percentage, .660 OPS and 17 home runs.

Dunning appeared as a relief pitcher for the Braves after being traded from the Texas Rangers in July. The right-hander struggled out of the bullpen, owning a 10.80 ERA over seven games in Atlanta.

Diaz was claimed off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers in September. Diaz’s peak came with the Cincinnati Reds in 2023 when he took home an All-Star selection as the team’s closing pitcher. However, his pitch arsenal has diminished since then along with his effectiveness.

With the added space to the roster, Atlanta’s front office will now look through the free agent market to bolster the roster heading into 2026.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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