Brian Snitker Will Not Return as Braves Manager in 2026

But before we look ahead, we have to reflect on the legacy Snitker will leave behind.

Snitker’s Path To Manager

Brian Snitker’s Braves journey spans 49 seasons.

1977 – Signed as a free agent catcher with the Atlanta Braves.

1980 – After three years of struggles, then-Braves executive, legend, and mentor Hank Aaron informed Snitker he would be getting released, but encouraged him to stay in the game as a minor league instructor.

1982-2006 – Received his first managerial position in Single-A. He would go on to manage across every level in the Braves’ farm system, with a brief stint in the late-80’s as a bullpen coach in Atlanta.

2007 – Promoted to third-base coach in Atlanta under Bobby Cox. He would remain in the position even after Fredi González took over for the retiring Cox in 2011.

2014 – Returned to manage the Triple-A Gwinnett Braves.

2016 – Named interim manager for the Atlanta Braves after González was fired. His impact was felt immediately, and with the support of the players the interim tag was lifted for the 2017 season.

2018 – Guided the Braves out of a rebuild to 90 wins and their first NL East crown since 2013.

2021 – Led the Braves from under .500 in August to hoisting the World Series trophy in October.

All in all, Snitker became one of baseball’s most unlikely successful managers in not only Braves history, but in all of the MLB in recent times. He finished with a record of 811-688 (.548), ranking him third all-time in Braves history and second to only Dave Roberts of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the same time span.

Snitker is just the 86th manager in MLB history to win 800 games, with only 43 winning that many with one team. He finished with six NL East titles, clinched seven postseason berths, won the 2018 NL Manager of the Year award, and of course the 2021 World Series championship.

His story is the type that deserves its own documentary.

What’s Next For Atlanta

The biggest question now: where do the Braves turn?

While Snitker and Cox are icons, the trend of internal promotions may have run its course. The fan base is clamoring for an outside voice to spark the clubhouse and get them back on a World Series track.

The clubhouse, the fan base, and the game itself have changed. Atlanta needs a fresh voice. Someone who can connect with today’s players, understands the way the game has evolved, and keep playing baseball in October the standard of Atlanta Braves baseball.

Candidates to Watch

If the Braves decide to stay internal, the most logical candidate would be Walt Weiss. He spent the final three years of his 14-year career in Atlanta, and has been a presence on Snitker’s staff since 2018. Weiss previously managed the Rockies from 2013–16, finishing with a 283–365 record. While his managerial results weren’t strong, his familiarity with the clubhouse and the organization makes him the simplest transition option.

Eddie Pérez spent nine years as a player in Atlanta and has been a in Atlanta since 2007. He has also managed in the Venezulan Winter League on-and-off since 2008. Pérez has plenty of professional coaching experience, and may get his shot at a big league job soon. He also has developed a deep connection to the players and the organization, making him my personal favorite internal candidate.

However, like many others my hope is that we look outside of the organization.

Skip Schumaker has emerged as a popular name. He spent time in both San Diego and St. Louis, and was hired as the Marlins’ manager in 2023. Schumaker led them to a Wild Card berth in his first season, earning NL Manager of the Year. Family matters forced him to step away in 2024, and he then joined the Texas Rangers as a senior advisor this season. With Bruce Bochy stepping aside, Schumaker may be headed for that role. But if available, he’d be a strong candidate in Atlanta.

Another potential fit is Gabe Kapler, who brings both managerial experience and player development expertise. Kapler has managed both the Phillies and Giants, winning NL Manager of the Year in 2021 before being let go in 2023. He has since worked in Miami’s front office, focusing on development. While his managerial track record is mixed and his past would make him a polarizing hire, he would certainly bring a fresh voice and a modern approach.

The ex-Braves player route is a popular one, and there any many candidates that fit the bill along with Weiss and Pérez.

David Ross spent four seasons in Atlanta as a player. His coaching experience is light, as he was a special assistant to the Chicago Cubs and later was hired to be their manager in 2019. After a 262-284 record across four seasons, he was not brought back as the Cubs moved on to now-manager Craig Counsell.

Mark DeRosa is another popular choice amongst the fan base, but I have my hesitations. His only coaching experience came in the 2023 World Baseball Classic as he managed Team USA to a second place finish, and has spent the majority of his post-playing career as an analyst on the MLB Network.

Among all the candidates, my favorite choice is Detroit Tigers bench coach George Lombard Sr. Born and raised in Atlanta, Lombard spent the early part of his playing career with the Braves before shifting into coaching. He spent five years coaching in the minor leagues of the Boston Red Sox organization, followed by five years serving as the Los Angeles Dodgers’ first base coach.

Lombard was named as the Detroit Tigers bench coach, where he remains today. With plenty of postseason coaching experience and a strong background in player development, Lombard feels like the perfect fit to return home and lead this clubhouse that nobody is talking about.

Other names would include recently fired managers Rocco Baldelli, Bob Melvin, and even Bruce Bochy. There have even been mentions about Tennessee Volunteers head coach Tony Vitello, though jumping from college baseball to managing a World Series contender is highly unlikely.

Regardless of which direction Alex Anthopoulos and the Braves front office chooses, this is one of the most appealing jobs in baseball. The roster is built to win now. Whoever is hired will step into immediate pressure, but also a golden opportunity.

Message To Brian Snitker

You may never read this, but I speak for all of Braves Country when I say, thank you.

The last two seasons were tough, and you were unfairly blamed for things outside your control. Still, you never wavered. You gave everything to the players, the organization, the fans, and the city, just as you always have.

You led us out of the darkest stretch my generation had seen, and you gave us a run to a World Series title we’ll never forget. The bond you built with your players and this city will last forever.

Your legacy is secure in Atlanta. Enjoy the time with your family, the Mai Tais in Hawaii, and know that Braves fans can’t wait to see you smiling back at the ballpark soon.

Thank you, Snit.