Should Braves stay in-house for their next manager?

Brian Snitker’s decision to retire is bittersweet. On one hand, he’s one of the most influential figures in Braves history, leading the club to some of its brightest moments. On the other, the team has clearly regressed over the last couple of years. A new voice might be just what the clubhouse needs, and the possibilities of a managerial search always spark excitement.

David Ross, Mark DeRosa, Skip Schumaker, Ron Washington, and others have all been floated as potential candidates. Each brings something different to the table, but the Braves tend to take the “fun” out of these discussions. This is an organization that prefers continuity — someone who knows its inner workings. That points directly to bench coach Walt Weiss.

Weiss isn’t the flashy name fans might crave, but like it or not, he’s going to be a serious candidate. With Snitker staying on as a special advisor, it’s reasonable to assume he’ll advocate for Weiss, which gives him an edge.

The 14-year MLB veteran ended his playing career with Atlanta in 2000 before returning to the dugout as Colorado’s manager from 2013–16, where he posted a 283–365 record. He joined Snitker’s staff in 2017 and has served as bench coach for the last eight seasons, playing a key role in the Braves’ success.

It’s natural to want something fresh. The thought of Ross or DeRosa stepping in and leading Atlanta to multiple championships is exciting, but both come with big question marks.

Ross finished with a record under .500 in Chicago and made just one postseason appearance, which came during the shortened 2020 season. Sure, the Cubs were mostly rebuilding under his guidance, but it’s not as if he showed anything to warrant the type of attention he’s getting from some of the fan base. There’s a reason he was not contacted by any team during last year’s hiring cycle. DeRosa has never managed at the big-league level at all. Both are intriguing, but both are unknowns.

Weiss, meanwhile, has experience, knows the Braves inside and out, and would likely keep together one of baseball’s best coaching staffs — including respected pitching coach Rick Kranitz and perhaps even a reunion with Ron Washington. His tenure would likely look similar to Snitker’s. Some fans may roll their eyes at the lack of excitement, but the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.

The Braves’ coaching staff has been one of the best in the sport for a decade. Keeping it intact with Walt Weiss at the helm may be the most logical path forward.