Recently the Atlanta Braves made some coaching changes in the dugout in hopes to jumpstart the offense in 2025. The franchise is generally a stable organization that doesn't see yearly changes in the coaching department.
However, the lead role in the dugout will remain long-time Brave Brian Snitker in 2025. There hasn't been much speculation around Snitker's managerial security so weren't not anticipating a change in manger for Atlanta in 2025. However, the soon to be 69 year-old Snitker is entering the final year of his contract in 2025.
There has been a ton of speculation on if Snitker will retire once his contract runs out after next season. Although, nothing has been confirmed fans shouldn't be shocked if Snit rides off into the sunset after an incredible baseball career following 2025. Should that happen we have some intriguing potential replacements listed below.
Walt Weiss
The most obvious internal candidate comes in the form of long-time bench coach Walt Weiss. He's held this role with Atlanta since 2018, and has previous managerial experience with the Colorado Rockies.
His familiarity with the core players in the clubhouse would serve well in transitioning to the lead guy in the dugout. It's a move that lines up with the stability within the Braves organization. While the internal candidates do not come in bulk, they do feel like the most likely outcomes.
Skip Schumaker
A recent manager from a division rival could find himself back in NL East should the Braves go this route. Skip Schumaker got his first managerial chance with the Miami Marlins in 2023. Schumaker took a low-payroll Marlins squad to the postseason for the first time in a full 162 game season for the first time in 20 years.
However, the 2024 went sideways for Miami thanks to injuries and underperformance. With new management the relationship seemed to be strained from the outside point of view. Despite winning NL Manager of the Year in 2023, Schumaker was out in Miami following the 2024 season. The caveat here is that Schumaker doesn't take a managerial role elsewhere in 2025.
Tony Mansolino
If fans were to think about hiring a member of the Baltimore Orioles coaching staff, most would point to current bench coach Fredi Gonzales. However, the third base coach could be a better fit for Atlanta.
The Vandy alum has worked with some of the best young hitters in the American League. He's beloved in the Baltimore area and regarded as one of the brightest third base coaches in baseball. It would be his first chance at managing at the big league level however, so it feels more unknown on how Mansolino would lead a clubhouse.
Rodney Linares
One of the more exciting external options on this list is Rodney Linares. The current bench coach of the Tampa Bay Rays has spent time learning under one of the better managers in baseball, Kevin Cash. Also, Linares has expierence managing in a big-time role, as he served as the Domincan Republic national team during the 2023 WBC.
Having spent a large amount of time in the Astros organization Linares has worked with premier hitters such as J.D. Martinez, Jose Altuve, and Alex Bregman. His ability to works hands on with some of the Latin superstars on the Braves roster is something that should excite Braves country.
Travis d'Arnaud
It's weird to include a current player, let alone an expected member of the 2025 Braves roster. But Travis d'Arnaud feels like he's destined to manage once he finishes his playing career. He's beloved in the clubhouse and catchers often make great managers as they have such an incredible feel for the game.
d'Arnaud will enter 2025 at the age of 36, so it's possible he's on his final days of playing the sport. It would be unprecedented for a player to retire and then immediately become the manager of the same team, but if there is a player that could pull it off Travis feels like the optimal guy.
Danny Lehmann
Lehmann is a man who has done a ton of behind the scenes work for one of the strongest organizations over the past decade. With Dave Roberts holding the managerial role for the Dodgers, Lehmann could leave his bench coach duties behind should the right opportunity open up.
The former catcher does a great job in game-planning and preparation for L.A. It's clear the Dodgers staff know how to handle superstars and get the most out of their role players. Lehmann has been a huge part in that for the Dodgers, and plucking him from L.A. could benefit the Braves in more ways than one.
Stephen Vogt
Member of the 2021 championship team in Atlanta, Stephen Vogt has led the Cleveland Guardians to their first ALCS appearance since 2016. He's likely to win AL Manager of the Year for his work in first year of leading a big league squad.
The relationship in Cleveland feels among the best in baseball between an organization and their manager. However, Cleveland is notorious for being a low spending organization. That inability to commit financially could hold the Guardians back from competing over a long-term level. With that uncertainty Vogt could look elsewhere for managerial work.
The Braves would be the perfect chance for Vogt to find the trust of a franchise that wants to win on a yearly basis and will spend money to do so.