The question surrounding manager Brian Snitker's potential retirement from the Atlanta Braves is a popular topic at the moment. Snitker has meant so much to the organization for so long, but there are certainly signs that a new voice in the dugout could be helpful and Snitker himself has said that retirement is very much in the cards as an option. As to what decision Snitker will end up making, that appears to be anyone's guess.
In recent comments to the media. Snitker was candid that he remains undecided and it is becoming abundantly clear that Alex Anthopoulos and the Braves do not want to do come across in any shape, way, or form that they are trying to force him out. For better or worse, this decision seems firmly in Snitker's hands and he deserves to make that choice.
However, his indecision is becoming a bit problematic from a timing perspective. Based on his recent comments relayed by The Athletic's David O'Brien, Snitker remains undecided on retirement and his decision could stretch past the immediate end of the 2025 season.
Brian Snitker may not decide on retirement from Braves until well after end of the regular season
Snitker still being undecided a little over a week after his last comments is not surprising. If he has made a decision, it was clear that he had no interest in sharing that until the end of the season and that is absolutely his right. It is a big decision and one that Snitker is clearly conflicted about.
However, Snitker's comments to The Athletic not only indicate that he hasn't made a decision yet, but that he may wait a week or two after the regular season ends before really sitting down with his family and making a decision.
"“Honestly, I’m gonna get through a week from today, and then kind of get decompressed for a little bit," Snitker said. “I kind of put it out of my mind right now, and (am) concentrating on today,” Snitker said. “I’m not committing to anything, quite honestly. I mean, I teeter. But you know what? I still have a passion for what I’m doing. I haven’t really sat my family down and talked to them directly about it.”
In an ideal world, the Braves would know what Snitker's plans are before the end of the season. That way, Atlanta could start contacting potential replacement candidates before the other teams around the league scoop all of the better names. Instead, everyone is left in a holding pattern waiting for Snit to make a decision as to whether or not to hang his jersey up.
If the Braves already have a candidate lined up like Walt Weiss that is an internal option and one that won't seek employment elsewhere, Snitker taking his time doesn't change much. However, if the Braves were wanting to do a true and thorough search through their options this offseason, the potential delays here could put them behind in the quest for a replacement if he ultimately decides to retire.