As the 2025 MLB season draws to a close, speculation intensifies around the future of Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker. While Snitker has been a beloved figure in the Braves organization for nearly 50 years, including guiding them to a World Series championship in 2021 and seven consecutive postseason berths, his contract expires at the end of the season.
At 69 years old, he is the oldest manager in the National League. After a disappointing season for the Braves, there’s a growing sense that Snitker may choose to retire or transition into a different role within the organization. This has led to a flurry of discussions about who could potentially succeed him at the helm in Atlanta.
Who’s Next for the Braves?
Internal Candidates
The Braves organization has a history of promoting from within, making current bench coach Walt Weiss a prominent contender for the managerial role. Weiss, a former MLB shortstop and Rookie of the Year, has been Snitker’s bench coach since 2018 and previously managed the Colorado Rockies. His familiarity with the Braves’ clubhouse culture, players, and front office could ensure a smooth transition, offering a degree of continuity that the organization may value. However, some suggest his managerial style might not offer the dramatic shake-up some fans desire.
Other potential internal candidates include Fredi Gonzalez, the Braves’ third-base coach, who previously managed the team from 2011 to 2016. While he led the team to an NL East title in 2013, his tenure also ended with his firing, and his return has been met with mixed reactions from the fanbase, with some considering it a “nightmare scenario.” Other long-time Braves coaches, such as Terry Pendleton and Eddie Perez, also possess deep ties to the organization, though neither has experience as a big-league manager.
External Candidates with Braves Ties
The allure of bringing back a former Braves player to manage the team is strong for some fans. David Ross, a former Braves catcher and recent manager for the Chicago Cubs, has been mentioned as a possible replacement. Ross, who spent four seasons with the Braves and won two World Series as a player with the Boston Red Sox and Cubs, is known for his leadership and understanding of the modern game, including a willingness to incorporate analytics, a trait favored by some within the Braves’ front office.
His connection to the “Bobby Cox tree” is seen by some as a desirable quality, offering a blend of old-school baseball knowledge and a more contemporary approach to the game. Mark DeRosa, a former Braves infielder who manages Team USA, is another name that has surfaced, although his lack of MLB managerial experience and current role at MLB Network could be factors.
Ron Washington, currently under contract with the Los Angeles Angels and a former Braves coach, has also been mentioned, though his age (73) and health could be an issue. Washington stepped away from his managerial duties in June due to health concerns, but plans to make a return in 2026.
More Potential Outside Hires
Skip Schumaker, the 2023 NL Manager of the Year with the Miami Marlins, is expected to be a highly sought-after candidate this offseason. Schumaker led the Marlins on a surprising playoff run in his first year as a manager but did not return to the team in 2025 due to organizational changes. His track record of success with a low-payroll team makes him an attractive option for any club seeking a strong leader. He is known as a players’ manager with over a decade-long MLB career and two World Series titles.
Looking beyond former Braves players and coaches, several external candidates have been identified as fits. Managers like Bud Black, recently fired by the Rockies, could also be considered. Black is a respected figure in baseball, and his experience, even with a struggling Rockies team, could be seen as valuable assets for a team with the Braves’ talent level.
Joe Maddon, who led the Cubs to a World Series in 2016, and Buck Showalter, who has managed four teams to the playoffs but never won a pennant, are also experienced managers who could be considered, though their age and track record may raise some questions.
The Impending Decision
The decision of who will manage the Braves beyond the 2025 season will be a significant one for the franchise. The ideal candidate will need to possess a unique blend of leadership, strategic acumen, and the ability to connect with a talented roster.
Whether the Braves opt for continuity with an internal hire like Weiss or choose to bring in a fresh perspective from outside the organization, the next manager will face the challenge of building on Snitker’s success and guiding the team to future championships. The Braves are still loaded with talent when healthy, so the “right hire” would likely help propel this team back into contention as soon as 2026.
Main Image: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
