Maybe the Braves really are feeling the loss of Ron Washington

Ron Washington quickly became a beloved figure in Atlanta as the Braves’ third base coach, joining the club in 2016 alongside manager Brian Snitker. Over seven seasons, Washington helped guide the team to a World Series title in 2021 and several NL East crowns. With that level of sustained success, attrition was inevitable.

During his time in Atlanta, Washington was considered for several managerial openings but was often passed over in favor of younger, analytics-driven candidates. Eventually, the struggling Angels gave him another shot, and he jumped at the opportunity. It was a bittersweet moment for Braves Country. No one was more deserving, but nobody wanted to see him go. What many didn’t realize at the time, though, was just how crucial he was to the Braves’ success.

Since Washington’s departure, the Braves’ trajectory has taken a sharp turn in the wrong direction. For the first time since 2017, they failed to win the NL East last year and barely scraped into the playoffs. Injuries played a role, but the issues haven’t improved in 2025—if anything, they’ve gotten worse.

Yes, this roster isn’t as loaded as it once was, and yes, injuries continue to be a factor. But one of the most glaring problems this year is the lack of attention to detail. The Braves rank 28th in the league with runners in scoring position, hitting just .180 with a .569 OPS. They’re consistently getting exposed on the basepaths, and mental mistakes have become a nightly occurrence. This team might not be as stacked as past iterations, but there’s no reason they should be 4-11 and already six games back in the division.

Meanwhile, things couldn’t be going much better in Los Angeles. Under Washington, the Angels are off to a surprising 9-6 start and sit atop the AL West—something few, if any, saw coming. It’s still early, but the contrast in how these two teams are playing is stark. The Angels, an undermanned squad, are thriving by doing the little things right. The Braves, on the other hand, keep inventing new ways to lose.

It’s too early to put Brian Snitker on the hot seat. He’s earned a long leash, having led the club to a World Series title, six division crowns, and seven straight playoff appearances. But after watching the Braves stumble through much of the last two seasons, it’s fair to wonder: Did losing Ron Washington hurt more than anyone anticipated?