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Austin Riley addresses claims Braves have a leadership problem

Originally posted on SportsTalkATL | By Alex Lord | Last updated Jun 17, 2025 11:03 AM ET

On paper, the Braves shouldn’t be eight games under .500 and essentially out of the NL East race halfway through June, but here we are.

It’s a combination of several contributing factors, with plenty of blame to go around. Alex Anthopoulos put together an incredibly flawed roster, and the one notable free agent signing, Jurickson Profar, completely screwed over the club.

More than anything, underperforming stars and poor play in critical moments are hampering the Braves, but some still want to chalk it up to Brian Snitker or a leadership void. Those two things might play a part in Atlanta’s struggles; however, they pale in comparison to actual play on the field.

Austin Riley, the franchise’s highest-paid player of all time, recently spoke to claims that the Braves have a leadership problem, pointing out Chris Sale, Marcell Ozuna, Matt Olson, and himself as veterans who have had the conversations that need to be had.

Austin Riley, on The Locker Room this morning, pushed back on the idea that the Braves lack leadership:

“The conversations that need to be had have been had.”

Full interview: https://t.co/9VCNRKpP0l pic.twitter.com/1Xsbfrtfas

— 680 The Fan (@680TheFan) June 16, 2025

It’s always funny to hear Braves fans chalk up the club’s struggles to players not caring, Brian Snitker, or a lack of leadership. Yes, there are issues. It’s a flawed roster, and too many notable players are underperforming.

However, to act like these guys aren’t trying is asinine. I’d argue everything we’ve seen would suggest they care too much as they continue to press at the plate. As for Brian Snitker, what in the hell do you expect from him? He’s got a terrible bullpen and a lineup that forgets how to hit a baseball every other day.

And the leadership.. Are you in the locker room? Do you know what has been said or not said? Just because you don’t know something is happening doesn’t mean that it’s not. I’m not saying the Braves have exceptional leadership as they have had in the past, but I’m also not saying that they definitively don’t because I don’t know, and nobody does, outside of the 26 players and the coaches in the building.

This article first appeared on SportsTalkATL and was syndicated with permission.

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