Braves Promote Walt Weiss To Be Next Manager

Like many fans across Braves Country, I hoped this hiring cycle would bring in a fresh voice from outside the organization. As time passed following Brian Snitker’s retirement, it seemed increasingly likely that the Braves might turn to either Dodgers bench coach Danny Lehmann or Tigers bench coach George Lombard. Both have ties to Alex Anthopoulos and are well respected across the league. That type of hire would have represented a meaningful shift in direction.

After the frustrations of the past couple of seasons, a change in tone and culture felt necessary. A new leader could have signaled to both the clubhouse and the fanbase that the Braves were willing to evolve. Instead, the front office opted for continuity.

Weiss does bring plenty of baseball experience to the role. Drafted 12th overall by the Oakland Athletics in 1985, he debuted two years later. He went on to have a 14-year playing career with the Athletics, Marlins, Rockies, and, you guessed it, the Braves. A former AL Rookie of the Year and 1998 All-Star, Weiss finished his career with a .258/.351/.326 slash line and a .677 OPS.

Following his retirement, Weiss spent time in the Rockies organization as an advisor to the front office from 2002 to 2008. After taking a hiatus to spend more time with family, he made his return to coaching, becoming manager of the Colorado Rockies for the 2013 season. Weiss spent four seasons as their manager, finishing with a 283–365 record before stepping down.

In 2017, Walt Weiss was hired on as bench coach with the Atlanta Braves, a role he held through the 2025 season.

The most obvious upside to Weiss’s hiring is his familiarity with the players, the organization, and the fanbase. Having spent over 12 years in the Braves organization, both playing under Bobby Cox and coaching alongside Brian Snitker, he embodies consistency and continuity. His promotion won’t ruffle feathers within the organization.

Still, Weiss feels like the safe, fallback option. His hiring raises some fair questions: How long is his contract? Who will fill out his coaching staff? And perhaps most importantly, how open is he to analytics?

Whether fans embrace them or not, analytics drive success across MLB. Some of the game’s top organizations aren’t just using data, they’re leading the analytical charge. Brian Snitker reportedly accepted analytics in theory, but rarely leaned on them for in-game decisions. Many, myself included, hoped a new manager would bridge that gap.

That’s why Lehmann and Lombard intrigued so many like myself. Both have been immersed in analytically progressive organizations. They would have represented a more forward-thinking shift.

For now, Braves fans are left in “wait and see” mode. If Weiss assembles the right coaching staff and the front office spends aggressively after resetting the luxury tax, optimism will return.

Ultimately, I don’t believe a manager alone swings many wins or losses over 162 games; that responsibility still rests with the players. The roster clearly needs upgrades, and the players themselves must perform better. What a manager needs to do is connect well with his players. Walt Weiss is well respected in the clubhouse, which is a sign of encouragement.

But make no mistake, this promotion will only increase the pressure already on Alex Anthopoulos and the front office. After missing the postseason for the first time since 2017, preceded by a lackluster offseason, Braves fans are demanding action. The team remains in the middle of its championship window as much of its core is under contract for at least three more seasons. With payroll flexibility restored and expectations sky-high, the front office must act decisively.

The Walt Weiss era begins with skepticism, but also cautious optimism. Whether it proves to be a stabilizing move or a missed opportunity, this hire will define the outlook on the Braves’ future.