There is no denying that the Atlanta Braves were going to be in a bit of a holding pattern after the 2025 season while they awaited Brian Snitker's decision on his retirement. While most expected Snitker to retire before the last couple of weeks, Snitker sounded genuinely undecided as to what decision he was going to make and the indecision was starting to get a little bit concerning from a timing perspective. On Wednesday, Snitker's decision was finally revealed.
After a career with the Braves that spanned five decades and included a World Series win in 2021, Jeff Passan just reported that Snitker will not return as the Braves' manager next season. Just like that, the Braves' #1 priority this offseason becomes replacing Snitker and figuring out what other changes could be coming to Atlanta's coaching staff in 2026 and beyond.
Brian Snitker will not return as manager of the Atlanta Braves, sources tell ESPN. He informed the team of his decision yesterday. But he will remain with the organization in a senior advisory capacity.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) October 1, 2025
Brian Snitker is officially out as the Braves' manager, but that doesn't mean he is retiring
In the short-term, this is a blow to the organization and clubhouse, but not a completely unexpected one. Braves players seemed unanimous in wanting Snitker to come back and almost no one blamed him for how badly the Braves' season went. However, Snitker was already mulling retirement after the 2025 season when things were going good and the Braves probably wanted to have some clarity as to their coaching staff going forward. With Snitker staying on as a senior advisor, that allows him to stay close to the organization and the Braves to put together the coaching staff they want.
As to who will replace Snitker as manager, that is tougher to predict. The favorite has to be bench coach Walt Weiss who is a familiar face in the clubhouse and who has prior experience managing the Rockies. Fredi Gonzalez might be an option, but that would be pretty horrifying given how his last stint as the Braves' manager went. Among the external options, Skip Schumaker and Mark DeRosa will have their supporters.
For now, it is time to reflect on what was a remarkable career for Snitker. A true baseball lifer, he embodied the idea that hard work and a desire to constantly improve can and will pay off. It may have taken a long time for him to finally get his shot to be a manager, but the Braves are a better organization for giving him that chance. Enjoy retirement, Snit. You have absolutely earned it.