Ken Rosenthal offers his thoughts on Braves manager Brian Snitker

It’s a bit unusual — just three games remain in the Braves’ season, Brian Snitker is in the final year of his contract, and there’s still no word on whether he’ll be back in 2026.

Snitker has said recently that he hasn’t decided on his future, but the lack of any announcement may be its own answer. You’d think a man who has spent 49 years with the organization and become one of the most influential figures in franchise history would want a proper sendoff if he was set to retire.

Top MLB insider Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic recently weighed in, suggesting Snitker may not be done just yet.

“Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos appears comfortable allowing Snitker to decide his own fate,” Rosenthal wrote. “The team’s recent 10-game winning streak only reinforced the industry perception that a healthier Braves team next season might again be a World Series threat.

“Snitker, who turns 70 next month, seems in good health. He still connects with players. No one is blaming this season on him, and he could bow out next week to great accolades. He also would take a risk in returning if the Braves again sputtered at the start of next season.”

And that feels like the prevailing sentiment around this situation. There’s little reason to pin the Braves’ struggles on Snitker when so many other factors worked against him. Proven All-Stars underperformed mightily during the first half of the season, injuries decimated both the pitching staff and the lineup, and Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos didn’t exactly give his manager the best weapons to compete.

Additionally, the Braves’ late-season surge is significant for two reasons. First, it’s proof the players never quit — a direct reflection of Snitker’s leadership. Second, it shows that this team still has the talent to compete for a championship in 2026, which might be the very thing that convinces Snitker to return.

An announcement could come soon, but as things stand, it feels Brian Snitker could be back in the dugout next season — chasing one more run at the Commissioner’s Trophy.