The Atlanta Braves concluded a disappointing 2025 season with a 76-86 record, finishing fourth in the NL East and missing the postseason for the first time since 2017. This unexpected outcome has prompted significant changes within the organization and signals a pivotal offseason as the team aims to rebound in 2026.
Braves Facing Critical Offseason Decisions
Snitker Out as Manager
Perhaps the most significant development is the departure of Brian Snitker as the team’s manager. After a 10-year tenure that included leading the Braves to a World Series title in 2021, Snitker will not return as manager but will remain with the team in an advisory role. This decision marks the end of a long and successful run for Snitker, who informed the Braves of his decision on Tuesday.
He compiled a record of 811-668 as Braves manager, placing him third in franchise history for victories. Speculation surrounding the manager’s status had been circulating, particularly after general manager Alex Anthopoulos’ cryptic comments in early September, suggesting the decision was not solely Snitker’s. The search for a new manager will be a top priority for Atlanta this offseason.
Injury Woes Plagued the 2025 Campaign
A primary factor contributing to the Braves’ struggles was a relentless wave of injuries that impacted key players throughout the season. A staggering 19 starting pitchers were needed to navigate the year, compared to just 13 in 2024, highlighting the depth of the pitching staff’s struggles. By July, all five members of the Opening Day starting rotation were on the 60-day injured list.
Among the notable injuries, Reynaldo López underwent arthroscopic shoulder surgery in April and missed the remainder of the season. AJ Smith-Shawver missed the rest of the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in June. Spencer Schwellenbach fractured his elbow in June and missed the rest of the year. Sean Murphy suffered a torn hip labrum in September and was placed on the 60-day IL, ending his season. Austin Riley underwent core muscle surgery in August, ending his season. Ozzie Albies sustained a fractured left hamate in September, ending his season as well.
If that wasn’t enough for you, Chris Sale missed a significant amount of time, and Ronald Acuña Jr. also faced injury setbacks, with Acuña suffering a calf strain in July after returning from an ACL injury suffered in 2024. This constant shuffling of the roster due to injuries made it difficult for the team to establish any consistent rhythm.
Offensive Inconsistencies
Despite bringing in hitting coach Tim Hyers to improve the lineup, the Braves’ offense struggled to find its identity in 2025. The team’s on-base percentage remained low, their batting average suffered, and they failed to hit as many home runs as anticipated. While players like Matt Olson (.272 batting average) and Drake Baldwin (.274 batting average) showed individual bright spots, the offense as a whole lacked the consistency expected of a contender.
The team also had to deal with the regression of several key players including Albies, and even benched Marcell Ozuna at one point due to his struggles. Atlanta must make crucial decisions on Albies and Ozuna in the offseason, deciding whether they should move on from them or if they should keep them and expect them to bounce back.
The Road Ahead
The Braves’ 2025 season served as a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in baseball. The combination of injuries, inconsistent play, and bad luck ultimately led to their worst season in years. Now, the Braves face a critical offseason where they must address their managerial vacancy, assess their injury situation, and make roster decisions aimed at recapturing their winning ways and returning to contention in 2026.
Main Image: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
