Braves' Brian Snitker Sends Message on MLB Retirement Decision

Although Snitker has led the Braves to the mountaintop, questions have begun to mount over his future as manager because of his declining health along with the underperformance of the organization.

Earlier this week, Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos mentioned that Snitker will remain a key piece of the franchise forever even if he is no longer manager. With questions mounting, Snitker spoke pregame before a game against the Chicago Cubs about his future in MLB.

Snitker mentioned that the latest update he has is that he is still undecided on if he wants to retire. He went on to mention that the disappointing season has played a role and that he does not want his tenure to end in this way.

“Snitker said he hasn’t decided whether he wants to retire. There have been days when he thought this would be his last year as a manager. But he doesn’t necessarily want to end with a season like this,” wrote MLB.com’s Mark Bowman.

Braves fans have conflicting feelings with Snitker at this point in his tenure. While grateful for his contributions and postseason success, his managerial style has raised questions.

Snitker has had a rocky relationship with superstar Ronald Acuna Jr. over his tenure and has repeatedly benched the face of the franchise, most recently moving him down in the order after a two-week long slump—something most managers would have given extra lenience to such a proven star talent.

Snitker has also made questionable decisions over playing time this year, routinely keeping Marcell Ozuna in the lineup at designated hitter instead of keeping All-Star Sean Murphy and NL Rookie of the Year favorite Drake Baldwin both in there, with Ozuna likely in his final year with Atlanta.

Regardless, Snitker has proven he can be a World Series manager and it would be hard shoes for Anthopoulos to fill if he does decide to retire at the end of the season.