Braves could lose underrated reason for success after 2025

Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker is the definition of a baseball lifer.

A 25th-round selection in the 1976 MLB Draft, Snitker spent four years as a catcher in the Braves system before transitioning into coaching. He was a long time minor league manager, an important figure in developing generations of talent.

Snitker's journey may be nearing an end. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that Snitker may retire at the end of this season. However, Snitker also told USA Today's Bob Nightengale that reaching 50 years as part of the Braves organization would be "pretty cool."

Snitker being the Braves manager heading into 2025 is remarkable. He became the interim manager after Fredi Gonzalez was fired after a 9-28 start to the 2016 season. The then 60-year-old Snitker had managed the Braves' young core as they came through the system, making him the logical choice for the rest of the year.

Although the Braves were 59-65 under Snitker, the Braves showed drastic improvement on the field. The vibe and atmosphere in the clubhouse improved. The Braves removed Snitker's interim label after the season, giving him a one-year deal to remain as the manager.

That decision has worked out well. Snitker's quiet leadership and trust in his players have led to another run of success in Atlanta. The Braves had a 735-586 record under Snitker entering Monday, having won six division titles and the 2021 World Series.

If there is one person who exemplifies the Braves Way, it would be Brian Snitker. He has helped mold the Braves stars, from the days of Tom Glavine and Chipper Jones through Ronald Acuna Jr. Snitker has been a hidden part of the Braves' success, an underrated manager who has done nothing but win. If this is indeed his final season on the bench, the Braves will miss his steady leadership and guiding hand.